I decided to write this knowing that most have never met, worked with or know a Navy SEAL and as a result, do not know all the character traits and mindset they all have.

·       Self-Assessment/Reflection

They are always seeking out ways to improve in every facet of their lives. If you ask them to list out their strengths, they might describe them as “this is a strength, but I know I can improve and be better”.

In order to do this, one must be honest “look in the mirror daily” and be open to constructive feedback from anyone. They understand that before one can set out to make changes, improvements, new habits, they must first acknowledge “one’s shortcomings or a need/want to change for the better”.

They understand that without this process, they will not improve or stay the same, but instead slowly move towards mediocrity and contentment. They believe in tracking their momentum “is what I am doing moving me closer to my goals or making me better”?

My lesson learned – “if you’re not getting better or moving forward, your falling behind in every area of your life”.

Be Bold, Think Big

We hear this everywhere today to “dream big chase your dreams, set big goals, bucket lists!!!”. The difference I see in these individuals, is they do not see limits or something as “too big, too hard, unattainable”. They do not spend much time talking about it, because that is energy/focus they can use to achieve these “big bold goals/dreams”.

They do not go into things like this saying “it’s going to be hard, I don’t know if I can do it”, but instead have this excitement like “I/we should do that, it will be fun/great”! They write their goals down, they are measurable, they have a plan to get there! They see challenges as opportunities to test and set new limits! They understand that in order to do this, they are not afraid to fail and they will never, ever quit! Think about how many people (maybe yourself) will not attempt bold/big goals because they are afraid or think about quitting before they even start!

My lesson learned – “you get one life, live it big and bold, surround yourself with people who think 10x bigger/bolder than you!”

·       Team and Teammate first (always)

They look out for each other, they train together, they hold each other accountable. They have a process called Buddy Checks, where they inspect each other’s equipment before training/missions. That is a true sign of being selfless/situationally aware to understand that in an elite/high performance team, helping a teammate shows you care about them, the team and they will do the same for you (because everyone will have a time they need help!).

My lesson learned – “it’s not about you, a great team is made up of selfless individuals that care for and trust each other”

·       Planning – tactical and strategic

They possess an attention to detail and ability to think on a tactical and strategic level (simultaneously) that is like no other I have ever witnessed! They are trained to look at results and analyze what went well and what didn’t (After Action Report). They do not just show up and hope things go well, but instead understand that the work is done in the planning and training stages (we don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training).

They have multiple plans and scenarios laid out (contingency planning) and might say things like “If you have ONE plan, you have NO plan” or “No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy”. They plan as a team, as opposed to a leader or management telling everyone else what to do (everyone has a voice and is expected to contribute).

My lesson learned – “we cannot predict the future or outcome, but we can plan for them”

I also wanted to list out some phrases and acronyms they use (feel free to incorporate them into your daily communications!

UNSAT – short for unsatisfactory (less than excellent, poor performance, disappointing). You never want to be on the other end of being called UNSAT!

BLUF – short for Bottom Line Up Front! Translation – give the important details first, no need for a novel or doctoral thesis!

ROGER, COPY, GOOD COPY – I received your message and understand the message!

Easy Day – Consider it done

Shooters Choice – you pick or make the decision

AAR – After Action Report (look at the results and critique it for the good/bad)

Cleared Hot – in military “permission to fire your weapons on a target”, in civilian “good idea, run with it”

Take Point – in military “assume the first and most exposed position”, in civilian “your in charge, you’re the leader, own it”

Authored By: David Phillips, President