Want to learn how to run a tight ship? Listen to a guy who’s been there.
Retired U.S. Navy Captain L. David Marquet wanted to avoid the typical top-down military management style when he took over command of the nuclear submarine the USS Santa Fe. He outlined some of the lessons he learned in his recent book, “Turn the Ship Around! How to Create Leadership at Every Level” Among his observations:
- Don’t just give people goals; give them the freedom to find creative ways to achieve them.
- Embrace effectiveness instead of obedience. Welcome questions.
- Embrace risk. Make decisions to achieve positive outcomes, not to avoid negative ones.
- Provide incentives for long-term goals, not just short-term ones.
- Eliminate processes that don’t add value.
- Remember that your legacy depends as much on how things run after you leave as they do while you’re there.
Adapted from How to Lead Like a Military Commander at CIO Insight.