What is innovation and how does it help me reduce my business risks? We see leaders roll their eyes and wrinkle their nose when the word innovation is talked about. This is because most people think only new products when they hear the word. If they are not looking to create new products the conversation is over. However, one of the most important questions you should ask is “How can I reduce my business risks, and how aggressive do I move?”
To address this question we will take a humorous, but serious approach – Boy Scout vs. Navy Seal. Many business leaders state the need to attack their business risk areas in a proactive and preventive way. In reality, their urgency gets diluted due to the numerous other projects and needs to be addressed. This is where the two different mental models come to play.
The Boy Scout oath and law states: On my honor I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
The Navy Seal oath or creed states:
- Loyalty to country, team and teammate.
- Serve with honor and integrity on and off the battlefield
- Ready to lead, ready to follow, never quit
- Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates
- Excel as warriors through discipline and innovation
- Train for war, fight to win, defeat our nation’s enemies
- Earn your trident every day.
Both are very good and are designed to bring out the best in each. One is for young boys and teen agers, while the other is for grown people ready for battle. Every leader will need to think about where their company stands in regards to its market share and competition. Which oath is more fitting or required to execute your business strategy?
We have seen the marketplace and recommend every leader move from being a boy scout to a navy seal. Your world is being turned on its head with new competitors, new products and new technologies every day. How do you stay in front of them – all the while keeping your eyes focused on delivering a great customer experience?
Are you a Boy Scout or Navy Seal?