Ex Sailor...So What?

We dwell upon an island that's what.

During my sea service, we were rightly challenged by our superiors; on almost every topic, briefing, presentation, plan or decision. Any crew worth it's salt would always ask … SO WHAT?

A manager is a title given to a person who monitors the actions of others, observing them and their performance, and ensuring all key activities are undertaken. A leader inspires, encourages, reprimands; but most of all guides and nurtures a team towards achieving key objectives.

Decisiveness, Initiative and Mission Focus. Any service personnel are unique in that they receive highly focussed training, sometimes for years, to achieve a specific mission, purpose or goal. Then they strive to achieve that goal. So, when told the company needs to hit certain targets, they execute, making no excuses; making it happen.

Communication with Accuracy, Brevity and Concision (ABC), is necessary to ensure all aspects of operations run smoothly; the environment can sometimes be stressful or even hostile, yet the key principle of ABC remains the same. Communication skills translate across all industries in the private sector.

Service folk are not loose cannons. They survived in austere environments by counting on a team. Collaborating with their colleagues, they endured, coordinating complex projects. Despite challenges and difficulties, the leadership and the team never lose sight of the goal.

Honesty and Integrity. If not displayed an individual's service is not longer required.

Solid, Robust and Reliable. They do not stoke the fires of drama in an organisation and have generally mastered 'soft skills'. They turn out for work on time and well groomed, sober and serious about their function. They come prepared and arrive early. This is refreshing for any team.

So give somebody from service a chance with your team.