#1-Navy Seal lesson – "Take Decisive Action!"

July 19, 2010
Leadership Clip to Evernote
5

I love guys that get to blow crap up! So I was reading a business blog the other day, "Lessons Entrepreneurs Should Learn From The Navy Seals." The author based the article on the book  Leadership Lessons of the Navy Seals. Being a HUGE Navy Seals fan, needless to say this caught my attention! If I can learn to lead from guys that can inspire others to lay down their lives for those on their team, I want some of that!

The first lesson was, "Take Decisive Action." When I read that lesson, there are (3) things that come to me…

1. "Take" This is a harsh word, but if you are a leader, you must take the lead. Those around you are looking to & trusting you to lead. So, take the lead! Prove to those who follow you, that you are a leader that can be trusted to take the lead in giving, serving, loving! Take the lead in being the first to take the first step! Lead by example.

2. "Decisive" this is a hard word. It means you must make a decision. Will you fail as a leader? Absolutely! Many times! But that is how you learn, by making the wrong decision. I heard a leader say once, and I agree, you can never really 100% sure about a decision. I think on some I have gotten to 99.997%. He said, if he felt 80% sure, he pulled the trigger. I think that is a good number. If you wait until all your questions are answered, you will never make a decision. Be decisive!

3. "Action" this is an honored word. No one likes to, or will for long, follow a leader that is just all talk. If you are going to lead, take the lead, pray, seek counsel and be decisive. But, you must follow those with a firm plan of action! Don’t just talk a good game.

Don’t point the gun unless you plan on pulling the trigger! Take Decisive Action! You will be respected as a leader if you do.

About artie: I'm the lead Pastor at Cornerstone, a Multi-Ethnic church in the heart of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Also the founder of the Comb Network.com, a movement to plant Multi-Ethnic, culturally relevant churches in smaller cities. I direct a gathering of small city leader called "The Sticks."

All Posts by  |  Personal Blog
  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/drockwel Dan Rockwell

    Artie,

    I just love your post.

    Deciding to be decisive is tough. You are hitting on a key roadblock to decision making. I like to say that perfection is the enemy of progress.

    One thing that may aid decisiveness is putting time limits on the length of meetings or the amount of time you'll discuss a topic in a meeting. Get adequate input and then ask, "What's keeping us from making a decision right now?" Pull the dang trigger and move on.

    In addition, in church world trying to please everyone means we end up doing nothing.

    Thanks for a stimulating post. You got me thinking about something near and dear to my heart.

    Leadership Freak,

    Dan Rockwell

    • http://artiedavis.com artie

      Thanks Dan, appreciate the comment.

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/bknight81 Buddy Knight

    Taking decisive action requires that you also take responsibility for the decision. That produces risk, and our culture, and the Church, is astoundingly risk-averse.

    But, if I gotta go into a hot area, I want SEALS around me!

    Check six!
    Buddy

    • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/artiedavis61 ArtieDavis

      I like that Buddy! If you have to go in, you better trust those you are with! Good stuff bro!

  • http://michaelreid.net Michael

    One more thing…whether it’s Navy Seals or Marines (OOHRAH!), after taking decisive action you have to commit to follow through. Don’t abandon your decision too soon because there is some push back…and usually with big decisions there will always be push back. That’s not to say that you can’t adjust course if the plan isn’t working or if the decision is a bit off. However, if (when) you make an off decision, be upfront about it, adjust and carry on. People respect leaders that are open, honest and see things through.

    Clear up!
    Two-Pie