Innerscope Insights: Are You Navy SEAL Material?

Simon Sinek Live at HTB Leadership Conference

Like most of us, I have been massively inspired and impacted by Simon Sinek's work on the 'Golden Circle', particularly the what’s your Why element.

This aspect of his work has definitely made an impact on the work that Innerscope deliver with Key Stage 4 students.

However, I must admit as I'd seen so much of his online content, I wondered he was going to bring anything new to the table and boy did he deliver.

As he was interviewed by Nicky Gumbel I was invited to listen to a conversation that was saturated with paradigm shifting moments regarding perspectives on Leadership, character and business, So I thought I’d share A key take away that I am still reflecting on currently.  

When asked about distinctive  features of great leaders he went on to speak about the Navy SEALS.

Some of you may know the Navy SEALS have to go through an excruciatingly painful recruitment camp called Buds. This camp consists of drills that amount to twenty hours of physical exertion each day for a week on only on four hours sleep each night.

Cold, wet, hungry and sleep deprived each candidate is challenged to show if they have what it takes to become a SEAL.

Sinnek went onto describe a conversation that he had with a successful Navy Seal, he asked what type of people usually get through, what are the characteristics of those individuals display authentic Navy SEAL material.

It was what followed that gave me much food for thought. The SEAL said candidates that those who come in with massive muscles and tattoos, seeking to assert themselves at any given opportunity, don’t get through. Candidates that seek to delegate or the work without seeking to get stuck in themselves don’t get through. The star college athletes that have never been tested to the core of their being, never get through.

He then went on to mention that some of the people that get through are actually skinny, scrawny and often times are found shivering out of fear.

However, every single candidate that makes it through displays an ability to help when it hurts. He described that when these candidates were emotionally exhausted, physically exhausted and mentally exhausted, when they have nothing left to give, somehow and in some way they still displayed an ability to care for the colleague that was next to them.

I found it fascinating that this character trait was a distinguishing factor for those that courageously seek to serve on of the most elite forces on the planet.

So as you approach this new week, I challenge you to reflect on what this looks like for your working context, I wonder if you are Navy SEAL material.

Have a great week!