The Leader’s Choice
All battlefields are plagued with chaos and uncertainty. In the violent clash of opposing forces, how a leader adapts to varying levels of friction can be the difference between action and inaction, life and death, or success and failure. Without the appropriate mental framework, success in this endeavor cannot be achieved.
“War is not governed by the actions or decisions of a single individual...”
The Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 1 (MCDP 1 Warfighting) states, “War is not governed by the actions or decisions of a single individual in any one place but involves near-countless independent but interrelated decisions and actions being taken simultaneously throughout the organization.”
Carefully crafting and implementing a framework that will teach, guide, and mentor leaders to get to the decision-making threshold and take action is critical to the success of any mission.
Although many strategies and tactics may be applied to a given situation, without a firm foundation in the basics, the battle will almost always be lost. Without a Warrior’s Mindset, leaders will struggle to inspire purpose, meaning, and strength within their organizations.
The Warrior’s Mindset is a cognitive framework or mental attitude that boils down to one single element—a choice. That choice is one of the most powerful decisions that any leader can make because it will dictate the tempo within their own minds, as well as their organization. It is a voluntary journey to choose to prevail over friction through unconquerable strength of the mind and spirit. The consequences of failing to choose cannot be understated. The Warrior’s Mindset influences perceptions and interpretations and has a profound impact on behavior. This is a requirement for developing the mind and cultivating an invincible culture.
Intellect, being able to navigate the human terrain, and sound moral character are the building blocks to inspire and control a group of people effectively. A leader’s mindset and values will influence not only the behavior of the individual but also an organization’s culture. Leaders are faced with the dilemma of recognizing the patterns of responses within their people and how they react to pressure. If strength is already present within, then it must be exploited for success and mission accomplishment. If this strength is not present, it is critical for the leader to recognize this and implement strategies to develop it. By being deliberate in how you continue to foster interconnectedness within your team and recognizing what truly drives them, you will develop a much deeper understanding of the Warrior’s Path that is required to drive unrelenting effort and success among your people.
Although repetition is a requirement to achieve mastery of these concepts, you must recognize that the first step in this journey will always begin with the most important element—the choice.
Will you choose to walk the path with a Warrior’s Mindset?
