Today, I would like to share with you my 3 key takeaways from the military. Being in the Singapore military for 2 years has taught me key lessons and principals that are crucial and important in life. It has shaped my values, personality and the perspectives of life.
In the military, I have learnt to not make decisions based on dollars and cents, but based on the lives of the boys under my hands. Some of the toughest challenges that I have faced are from the military; where my mental, physical and mettle were challenged to the brim of my threshold.
After commissioning as an Officer in the Singapore Armed Forces, I was placed in an Infantry Unit for 1 year to train my boys to be combat ready. Things were not as easy as it seems at the beginning as there were a lot of roughing out to be done, but nonetheless, that 1 year is the most fulfilling year in my life. So here are my 3 key takeaways, enjoy!
- Respect Is Earned, Not Bought
Respect is an abstract yet vital concept that holds significant weight in various aspects of life. It is a virtue that is earned, not given. Respect is not an easy feat to attain, and it does not come easily, especially not overnight. Regardless of the position one holds, respect cannot be simply bestowed upon them because of the title or rank they carry. It is crucial to understand that even if you have a higher rank or position, it doesn’t guarantee that you will be respected. Respect is not something that can be commanded or demanded; it is something that is earned through actions and behavior.
The same principle applies in the business world. Your boss or superior does not automatically receive your respect because of their hierarchical position. Respect is something that must be earned through one’s actions, behaviors, and values. It takes time to build trust and establish a reputation for yourself that earns the respect of others. It is important to note that respect is not a one-way street. It must be a mutual exchange where both parties demonstrate mutual respect towards each other.
Moreover, respect is not merely about the position one holds, but rather it is about the skills, values, and traits they exhibit. It is about demonstrating a level of expertise and proficiency that sets them apart from others. Respect comes from seeing firsthand the qualities that someone possesses that we do not. It is about recognizing and acknowledging their strengths and admiring them for it.
Leadership by example; the mother of all foundation to earning respect. Back in the military, I would never be able to develop strong trust and relationships with my boys if I have not led them by example. Imagine, your superior setting an expectation for you that you think is out of this world, but instead of just letting you drown, he/she holds you by the hand, and walk his/her expectations together with you. Wouldn’t you feel that this man/woman is not just an empty vessel wobbling his/her tongue away, but is a person of substance?
This is what I mean – Before you set an expectation on someone, be sure that firstly, it is achievable because you have tried it, and secondly, walk the journey with them showing them how it’s done. This is how you earn the respect from the people around you.
- You’re Not A Superman
Yes you see that right, you are not a superman. You can’t do life or achieve your dreams alone. At some point in time, you’ll require help. Either from a mentor or a subordinate, you’ll require assistance at one point or another. What am I getting at? 2 points:
Firstly, collaboration is key to achieving success in any endeavor, no matter how big or small it may be. One person alone cannot achieve great things, but with the help of a team, anything is possible. This is why it is important to never be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for assistance when you need it. It may seem daunting to ask for help, but it is essential to remember that no one achieves anything alone. By reaching out to others and working together towards a common goal, you can achieve success beyond your wildest dreams.
Secondly, it is also important to offer your help whenever possible. Helping others not only makes you feel good, but it also creates a culture of reciprocity. When you lend a hand to someone in need, they are more likely to return the favor when you need it most. It is a simple but effective way to build relationships and establish a supportive community.
In conclusion, always remember that teamwork makes the dream work. Be willing to ask for help when you need it, and be ready to lend a hand whenever you can. No one is invincible, and everyone needs help sometimes. So drop the self-righteous front, humble yourself, and be willing to collaborate. As the saying goes, “even Superman bleeds.”
- For the Mission and the Men
The motto of Bravo Company is “For the Mission and the Men”. This speaks volume of the focus and priority of our company.
The Mission – the goal we have in mind, the objective we want to achieve, the challenge we want to overcome. In everything we do, we have an end goal in mind. Just like 101 Success Hacks, my mission is to empower you to succeed in whatever you set your mind on; to provide daily motivation as we root for your success. Achieving mission success is important, but the Men are just as important.
The Men – Our subordinates, our employees, our followers, our children. One of the gravest mistakes leaders make is to focus solely on the mission, and neglecting the men. We have to always keep in mind that the men are the ones helping us achieve mission success, and we MUST NOT neglect them. Take care of their well-being, mental emotions and physical needs. Fight as hard as you can for them, and when the time comes, they will fight just as hard for you.
I believe that these key points can be applied not only in the military, but also in business or in life. I trust that you have taken away bits of golden nuggets from my military journey.
Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!
