The Navy SEAL Code Is the Secret to Building Strong Teams

On May 1, 2023

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Business leaders are constantly searching for ways to build highly effective teams that can deliver results in a rapidly changing business landscape. I’ve searched high and low, drawing inspiration from philosophy, history and literature. However, I’ve found the deep tradition of leadership established in the U.S. military, and specifically the Navy SEALs’ code of conduct, to be particularly helpful.

The SEAL code is a set of guiding principles that embody the warrior ethos of the Navy SEALs. It is a code of conduct that all SEALs are expected to live by, both on and off the battlefield. The code is based on a set of core values that are central to the SEAL ethos, including loyalty, honor, courage, discipline, respect and excellence.

These values are not just ideals or aspirations but a way of life that SEALs are expected to live and uphold at all times. They are the foundation of the SEAL ethos and are critical to the success of SEAL teams in achieving their missions.

Business leaders can learn a great deal from the SEAL code and apply its principles to develop highly effective teams in mid-sized organizations. Here are some ways that business leaders can utilize the SEAL code to build strong, cohesive and high-performing teams:

1. Build a culture of trust and loyalty

The SEAL code emphasizes the importance of loyalty to country, team and mission. This same sense of loyalty and commitment can be applied to business teams, where employees are expected to put the needs of the company and the team above their interests.

Business leaders can build a culture of trust and loyalty by fostering open communication, encouraging collaboration and creating a shared sense of purpose and mission. When employees feel that they are part of a team that is working towards a common goal, they are more likely to feel a sense of commitment to the team and the company.

2. Encourage excellence in all things

The SEAL code emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of life. This same emphasis on excellence can be applied to business teams, where employees are expected to continuously improve and strive for better results.

Business leaders can encourage excellence in all things by setting high standards for performance, providing opportunities for training and development and recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate excellence in their work. When employees feel that they are part of a team that values and rewards excellence, they are more likely to strive for it themselves.

3. Foster a culture of discipline and self-control

The SEAL code emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high level of discipline and self-control, both in training and in everyday life. This same discipline and self-control can be applied to business teams, where employees are expected to stay focused, on track and deliver results.

Business leaders can foster a culture of discipline and self-control by setting clear expectations for behavior and performance, providing regular feedback and coaching, and holding employees accountable for their actions. When employees feel that they are part of a team that values discipline and self-control, they are more likely to adopt these same values in their own work.

4. Encourage courage in the face of fear

The SEAL code emphasizes the importance of demonstrating courage in the face of fear and acting decisively and confidently even when faced with uncertainty. This same courage can be applied to business teams, where employees are expected to take risks, make tough decisions, and navigate uncertain terrain.

Business leaders can encourage courage in the face of fear by providing a supportive environment where employees feel safe to take risks, offering opportunities for training and development that build confidence and recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate courage in their work. When employees feel that they are part of a team that values and rewards courage, they are more likely to take risks and make tough decisions in their own work.

5. Foster a culture of respect for others

The SEAL code emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, rank or position. This same culture of respect can be applied to business teams, where employees are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity and work collaboratively towards shared goals.

Business leaders can foster a culture of respect for others by modeling respectful behavior, encouraging diversity and inclusion and providing training and development that promotes understanding and empathy. When employees feel that they are part of a…