Thursday, February 27, 2025

Leadership SEALs of Approval

Leadership often separates success and failure. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin share leadership principles of Navy SEALs in their excellent book Extreme Ownership. 

Everyone can lead. Lead better with an understanding of five core ideas. 

"Two is one and one is none." Teamwork is vital in the military, business, and sports. Teamwork helps competition, development, and elevates level of play. 

"Cover and move" is another teamwork aphorism. For example, in an attack, the back row players move and provide coverage in the event that the defense blocks the attack. After the attack, the defense realigns in preparation for the return. The cycle repeats. Teamwork is forever. 

"Prioritize and execute." In the book Same as Ever, Morgan Housel informs readers that human behaviors repeat again and again. In volleyball, themes repeat - winning "serve and receive," containing the outside hitters, and attacking aggressively and efficiently. 

"Manage risk." Coaches and teams manage risk in a variety of ways. Developing depth manages risk. Doing more of what works manages risk. And being prepared for an opponent's early aggressive service is another part of risk management. 

"Follow the chain of command." Commander's Intent means that Coach Scott Celli oversees preparation and game planning and outlines the desired "intermediate steps" and "end state." Leadership within the team implies that information regarding player health, psychology, and attitudes has to flow up the chain, too. Communication has to be a two-way street. 

Leadership principles matter in every aspect of society. Work together, give and get feedback, and always put the team first. 

Lagniappe. Many MVB elite hitters relied on three-step approaches. Figure out what works for you. 

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