Leaders in the tech industry face unprecedented challenges. Economic instability, rising costs, and hybrid workforce demands create complex hurdles that require robust decision-making and resilience.
In a recent leadership workshop, hosted by Restive, with decorated SAS Officer Reg Crawford, we explored how tech leaders can apply military leadership strategies to thrive in adversity.
Five lessons from Reg Crawford on leadership
Reg Crawford’s extensive experience leading elite military units in crisis situations, such as Rwanda, East Timor, and Iraq, provides valuable insights into leading under pressure. His approach to leadership is not just about reacting to challenges but embracing them as opportunities for growth and innovation.1. Prioritising safety and building trust
A leader’s first responsibility, especially during times of adversity, is ensuring the safety and well-being of their team – physically, emotionally, and mentally. This foundation of trust allows the team to remain strong and focused, no matter the obstacles.2. Resilience and empathy in the face of adversity
True leadership shines when projects go off track or unexpected challenges arise. Resilience, combined with empathy, helps leaders and teams adapt, maintaining morale while finding practical solutions. It’s about more than just leading from the front; it’s about empowering others to step up, inspire, and collaborate.3. Planning and adaptability are key
While detailed planning is crucial, a leader must remain flexible. Crawford emphasised the importance of staying calm, assessing the situation, and engaging the team in creative problem-solving when things don’t go according to plan. This adaptability allows leaders to maintain forward momentum even when the path changes unexpectedly.4. Authenticity and values as guiding principles
Leadership isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about doing so with integrity and transparency. Staying true to one’s values fosters trust and credibility with teams and stakeholders. Crawford highlighted how alignment with core values simplifies decision-making, even in high-pressure environments.5. Calmness and creative thinking in crisis
When faced with a critical situation, maintaining composure is vital. In one of his stories, Crawford recounted a roadblock incident in Rwanda where his calmness and rapport-building skills helped him navigate a potentially dangerous situation. Leaders who stay calm and deliberate can think creatively, unlocking solutions others might miss“Leadership through adversity is not a concept; it is a transformative responsibility that shapes the course of individuals, teams, and organisations. As we navigate the current market challenges, prioritise safety and well-being to embrace innovative thinking via a culture that supports open thought, the criticality of maintaining composure in the face of setbacks, and staying true to your values.”
Storyteller, Leader, Keynote Speaker
Applying military leadership to tech
Tech leaders can draw from these military-inspired strategies to navigate their own challenges. Whether it’s managing team dynamics, steering through economic volatility, or making quick decisions in high-stakes situations, the principles of safety, empathy, adaptability, and resilience are vital. In the tech world, where rapid innovation is key, applying these lessons ensures leaders maintain a steady hand during turbulent times.
The importance of composure and rational thinking
One of Crawford’s key takeaways was the ability of a leader to stay composed under pressure. A calm leader sets the tone for the entire team, instilling confidence and clarity in moments of crisis. He illustrated this through a life-saving evacuation story from the Middle East, where maintaining focus and rational thinking in an unstable environment was the difference between success and failure.Leading with integrity and innovation
True leaders push boundaries and embrace challenges. Crawford reinforced that leaders should not only focus on surviving adversity but also leverage it to drive innovation. By fostering a mindset of resilience and growth, leaders can inspire their teams to achieve more than they thought possible.
Empower your team in times of adversity
Effective leadership is about more than giving orders – it’s about empowering your team to take ownership and make decisions. By creating a culture of trust and accountability, leaders enable their teams to act confidently, even when facing difficulties. This proactive, collaborative approach ensures the business continues to thrive, regardless of external pressures.Conclusion: Leadership through adversity shapes success
Leadership in times of crisis is not just about making decisions – it’s about setting an example, maintaining composure, and inspiring teams to push beyond their limits. The lessons shared by Reg Crawford remind us that adversity, while challenging, also presents the opportunity for growth and transformation. By embracing these principles, today’s tech leaders can guide their organisations through uncertainty, emerging stronger and more innovative on the other side.
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