Military Skills Lead to

Organizational Success
October 19, 2010

Posted on Harvard Business Review: October 18, 2010 12:10 PM

What value does the military have for an organization? World class, combat honed, and
expansive skill sets in strategic planning, wargaming (competitor-on-competitor role play),
competitive intelligence, leader development, rigorous standard enforcement, and innovation in
execution are only a few of the cutting edge managerial skill sets that the military brings.
Additionally, military veteran-to-CEO success stories such as Ken Hicks (Foot Locker), Bob
McDonald (P&G), John Meyer (Acxiom), and Dave Grange (PPD) all credit military ethical
foundations, decision making skills, practical leadership, and teamwork, and the focus of life-ordeath situations that quickly developed them into decisive leaders focused on excellence,
execution, and best-in-class performance.
For the organization, the value of the military-to-organization skill set transition comes when
military skills and methodologies are translated into the context that creates the greatest value
for the organization. Just because it worked well in combat or worked well for a military
organization does not mean that it will do so for a civilian or commercial organization. A military
technique must constantly translate the language, context, framework, and effectiveness of the
military skills to the organization in which they now serve. Additionally, military skills must
further be adapted to the organization as that organization transforms to position itself
surrounding the factors of customers, competition, regulation, and other environmental
influences. Just like combat, no environment, business model, or customer base is static
effective evolution is a must.
The military has a wide range of skill sets and proficiencies that business needs:
Intelligence: The military excels at systematic and ongoing analysis of competitors as well as
how the operating environment influences the outcome and potential success of an operation.
Additionally, a uniform, frequent, and ongoing intelligence effort provides a common competitive
assessment to an organization. In an organization's leadership, how many leaders have a
common view of competitive threats? How often is the competitive analysis updated?

Planning and Preparation: The creation of a timely, comprehensive, and structured plan is
the hallmark of military operational planning. Many organizations do this well. However, what
most organizations lack is the creation of multiple contingency plans, the use of wargaming or
competitor-on-competitor scenarios, and mission rehearsals to ensure a flawless execution.
Execution: This requires the ability to rapidly adjust and improvise when an operation does not
go according to plan. The use of Commander's Intent, a military planning and execution
framework that describes the commander's description and definition of success, is an essential
tool when operating in a dynamic and chaotic environment. When a plan changes, military
personnel rapidly adjust their actions using independent action and initiative to meet
Commander's Intent.
Team Leadership: The value of good leadership goes beyond the team being led. Good team
leadership extends into leadership by example and positive role models that can inspire
throughout the organization.
Subordinate Development: The military uses a process known as the performance counseling
session employed by the immediate supervisor of a military member to address what soldiers,
marines, sailors, or airmen did well, what they need to improve, and the plan of action to make
them a better overall contributor. This inherent subordinate development process is of
extraordinary value for an organization because it makes every employee in the organization
better.
Military veterans and military techniques, when applied properly to an organization's culture and
business processes, can bring value to corporations, non-profits, non-governmental organization,
and educational institutions. All of these organizations can benefit in vast and immediate ways
through the application of military skills to their operations.