the quantume of leadership: a seal's perspective

The Quantum of Leadership A SEAL’s Perspective

Presentation for the Emerging Leaders Forum

Hotel Vermont, October 22, 2014

Copyright 2014 Bill Atkinson, EleMental Edge Training

Quantum

• The smallest possible discrete unit of any physical property, such as energy or matter

• One's share or portion

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Leadership

• The state or position of being a leader

• The action of leading a group of people or an organization

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The Quantum of Leadership

The minimum attributes of being a leader, of leading a group of people or an organization.

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Leadership: the Ugly, the Bad, and the Good

‘War’ stories/examples:

• Mine

• Yours

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Leadership: the Ugly (mine)

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Leadership: the Ugly (yours)

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Leadership: the Bad (mine)

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Leadership: the Bad (yours)

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Leadership: the Good (mine)

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Leadership: the Good (yours)

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Good leadership, a SEAL’s perspective:

• Leadership principles:• Once a SEAL, always a SEAL• Be a good leader, and a good follower • Be a Team player• Semper Gumby• Have a backup plan, and a backup to the backup plan • Communicate!

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• Good leadership, an engineer’s perspective:

• Leadership principles:• Take good care of yourself, from head-to-toe.• Be a people person (Humans are more important than hardware, software, and plans).• Be a problem solver• Build and cultivate teams and teamwork• Know and maintain the big picture…that’s what makes you the leader and the expert. • Communicate, communicate, communicate!• The Four Agreements - (Don Miguel Ruiz):

• Be impeccable with your word• Don’t take anything personally• Don’t make assumptions • Always do your best

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SEAL Creed

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In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me - my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.


Engineer’s Creed (June 1954)

As a Professional Engineer, I dedicate my professional knowledge and skill to the advancement and betterment of human welfare.

I pledge:

• To give the utmost of performance;

• To participate in none but honest enterprise;

• To live and work according to the laws of man and the highest standards of professional conduct;

• To place service before profit, the honor and standing of the profession before personal advantage, and the public welfare above all other considerations.

• In humility and with need for Divine Guidance, I make this pledge.10/22/14


Engineer’s Creed (another version)

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I am an engineer, in my profession I take deep pride. To it I owe solemn obligations.

Since the stone age, human progress has been spurred by the engineering genius.Engineers have made usable nature's vast resources of material and energy for humanity's

benefit.Engineers have vitalized and turned to practical use the principles of science and the means of

technology.Were it not for this heritage of accumulated experience, my efforts would be feeble.As an engineer, I pledge to practice integrity and fair dealing, tolerance, and respect, and to

uphold devotion to the standards and the dignity of my profession, conscious always that my skill carries with it

the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of Earth's precious wealth.As an engineer, [in humility and with the need for Divine guidance,] I shall participate in none

but honest enterprises.When needed, my skill and knowledge shall be given without reservation for the public good.In the performance of duty and in fidelity to my profession, I shall give the utmost.


Final thoughts?

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Thank You!

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Please contact me:

Bill Atkinson

EleMental Edge Training, LLC

Burlington, Vermont

elementaledgetraining.com

[email protected]

802-859-0950

the quantume of leadership: a seal's perspective

Leadership & Management

bill atkinson

elemental edge training

leadership principles

good follower

good care

good war storiesexamples

group of people

backup plan