Chances are, you have heard of Navy SEALs. The US Navy’s elite special operations force. But has it ever crossed your mind that these guys are training for 3+ years before ever deploying overseas?

Think about that. Are you or have you been an athlete? Let’s change the perspective. Imagine practicing for your sport of choice and never playing in a game for a minimum of 3 years.

Not only that, but every single day Navy SEALs are training, it includes extremely high-risk training routines to include; weapons handling/shooting, jumping out of airplanes, diving in the water at night, fast-roping out of helicopters, and blowing things up.

What is the secret to their success? Many things but I’m happy to share a few of my observations.

For starters, Navy SEALs never begin a high-risk training evolution without first conducting a safety brief. During the safety briefs, things are discussed to include; expectations of the training evolution, dos and don’ts, safety procedures, contingency plans, and lessons that they have learned not to do.

Simply put, Navy SEALs communicate.

I know, I know…your mind is blown. Communication is a secret weapon of the US Navy’s elite special operators.

But if we all know how important communication is and as leaders we’re not consistently communicating some important things like; our expectations and beliefs. How is it fair that we assume our teammates know what our expectations and beliefs are?

It’s not.

So, do you want your team to be better equipped to perform at an elite level?

Communicate and keep things simple (and maybe wear sunglasses while doing it…Navy SEALs say that helps…just kidding!). 

Authored By: Jacob Werksman, Founder

Photo Sourced: US Navy