Academics, entrepreneurs, economists and business leaders write management books, but rarely the military. Despite armed forces having centuries of man-management experience, it's tempting to assume that they just bark orders. So what can Bahamian business learn from what first seems to be such a "regimented" operating model? Well quite a lot according to "Elite! The Secret to Exceptional Leadership and Performance" by Floyd Woodrow.
The author commands considerable respect as a former member of the world-renowned Special Air Service (SAS) for over 20 years. He exemplifies their "who dares wins" motto and was awarded the UK's second-highest award for gallantry, the Distinguished Conduct Medal. An MBE followed and Woodrow has coached leading banks, governments, police forces, emergency services, international corporations and even advised the All Blacks rugby and England cricket teams on the key aspects of performance and leadership. His co-writer is Simon Acland, a highly successful entrepreneur and business writer who ably supports him in this mission.
During his SAS career Woodrow explains that he has "worked alongside extremely talented people and there are core principles that weave their way like a golden thread through their minds, bodies and behaviours". By mastering these, organizations can effectively develop their own battle-hardened business leaders and management "Elite" with a better understanding of personality types, aims, effective communication, team and organizational leadership.
The qualities advocated for "Elite" leaders includes: ambition for the success of the organization rather than themselves; self-effacing characteristics enabling their team to take the credit; help to develop successors; and a resolve to achieve excellence within the most demanding environments. Woodrow and Acland claim that the business benefits of such an approach are numerous and include:
o Increased productivity and performance;
o Enhanced team cohesion and commitment;
o Improved individual motivation;
o Pragmatic leadership and crisis management.
The "Elite" approach is underpinned by a robust application of the theories and psychology that supports cutting-edge motivational training techniques employed within elite military special forces and world class business organizations.
We may never attain the standards expected of the SAS, but with "Elite" at least we can march towards success with our own "who dares makes a profit" philosophy.
o "Elite! The Secret to Exceptional Leadership and Performance" by Woodrow and Acland.
Published by Elliott & Thompson Ltd.
Keith Appleton JP, BA (Hons), N.Dip.M, MInstLM has extensive experience within an academic, managerial and strategic leadership role. He is a member of the UK Institute of Leadership & Management and can be contacted at KeithAppleton@Hotmail.co.uk.
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