Extreme Accountability: The Warrior’s Way in the Workforce

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Navy SEALs?

Battle-hardened commandos charging through combat in exotic locations, most likely.

What if I told you that the same mindsets and organization techniques that make these decorated soldiers stand out can also be applied at the office with your team?

Sounds strange, I know, but stay with me on this one..

Extreme accountability is what we’re talking about here. Yes, it does sound extreme, but fear not, it is not as dreadful as it sounds. In his very insightful article, Mark Nevins goes in depth on the principles of extreme ownership and accountability which are laid out by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin, both exemplary Navy SEAL commanders, in their book Extreme Ownership. The basis of this intimidating yet highly efficient concept of accountability revolves around three key elements:

First and foremost, be accountable to the final degree about any and all mistakes and/or failures of yours when working in a team setting. Accountability is not something that can be forced within a company, but rather must start within yourself. Placing the blame on others is unacceptable as the responsibility lies with YOU.

Secondly, fight like a commando in the office would do through every and all issues that may arise in a given project with your team and make no excuses in your quest of dedication.  When everyone is committed to the above values, it becomes ‘our success’ and not ‘my success’. The phrase “there’s no ‘I’ in Team” might come to mind as you read this. If such is the case I applaud you..

Finally, when speaking of taking extreme ownership of every mistake and every success you make in the office with your team, it is crucial to remember that the leader of every team is also a servant. Contradictory, I know, yet a leader who stands at an equal ground with his peers and focuses on inspiring them can create a corporate culture of being accountable to an extreme degree about everything one does on their path to success and victory…

And hey, if all this has worked for a couple of battle-hardened Navy SEALs in the battle of Ramadi, then I’m pretty sure they’ll prove effective within an HR department or a sales team.

Original source by Mark Nevins https://www.forbes.com/sites/hillennevins/2018/12/18/why-your-team-needs-extreme-accountability/?sh=451e588283e4

Jocko Willink and Leif Babin’s book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, 2015.

Analyzed and edited by Aris Elmazis