Did you hear about the (5) Lessons Special Forces Taught Me About Business?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 08:53:58 -0400

Did you hear about the (5) Lessons Special Forces Taught Me About Business?

Great article from a great American Veteran helping other veterans start their own businesses!

RP Members what do yo think about these (5) lessons?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ [login to see] 2 [login to see] 74-5-lessons-the-special-forces-taught-me-about-business?trk=pulse-det-nav_art

Check out the website:

http://www.phase2advantage.com

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 16 at 2015 8:56 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 08:56:13 -0400

Excellent article.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 16 at 2015 12:38 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 12:38:06 -0400

Thanks for posting COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I have added my comments in [brackets[.
1. Planning is essential, but contingency plans are critical. [Good advice]
2. 360-degree awareness gets the team home safely. [I would remember that 360-degree awareness applies vertically and diagonally as well as horizontally. Before you are in the office scan the walls, lapel pins, etc do a "map recon" by learning as much as you can before you get there. This will let you demonstrate your knowledge at appropriate times which conveys your interest in whoever you are talking with and their business.]
3. Wait for the best shot, not the perfect shot. [Understand what is critical for you and those you are responsible for in terms of pay, benefits, work hours, work location, travel, etc. Know where you can be flexible before you start the process and find out how your situation will improve over time if employed by the company.]
Veterans in the civilian workforce hope for a perfect outcome, but they’re not afraid to execute when ready and make course corrections along the way if needed. They don’t suffer from “paralysis by analysis,” and they certainly don’t succumb to “deer in the headlights” syndrome. They’re doers and fixers.
4. Know when to advance, stand down and retreat. [Solid advice. Be tactful and respectful while going through the process and exploit avenues of opportunity that may emerge.]
5. Individuals are strong, but teams are powerful. [Works very well in well-screened and highly trained teams. The application doesn't work as cleanly in less well trained teams or those where team members are moved in and out of the team frequently. This iso ne reason why Special Operations forces stand out from many conventional force units not to mention that Special ,Operation tend to be better equipped and funded.]

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 16 at 2015 3:31 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 15:31:15 -0400

Hopefully this would improve how civilians conduct business.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 4:00 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:00:38 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Thanks for sharing Sir. I’m always interesting at looking various perspectives that deal with managing your own foxhole. These same 5 business measures can be applied to active duty management and leadership techniques. I particularly find number 1, 2 and 5. Great read. Something valuable for our toolkits.