How today’s tech leaders can succeed in the current business climate utilising the same decision-making tactics as the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment.
Economic volatility, global political instability, the rising cost of living, increasing production costs, and the demands of hybrid workforces are all making it easy for organisations to lose their way when it comes to tech strategy. COVID prioritised tech maturity for most businesses, but the new pressures of the past two years and reduced budgets mean organisations must make the right decisions with their tech so that they’re future-facing and ready for growth.
It’s our view that when it comes to technology, market leaders emerge when tested and they succeed by demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their vision and team. They proactively embrace adversity as a catalyst for transformative tech growth and innovation, but to be successful in this period, leaders need the right advice, resourcing and systems around them to make good decisions.
We are working with many of our clients to help them navigate this dynamic and pressured period. So we had the pleasure of hosting Reg Crawford, a highly decorated Special Air Service (SAS) Officer with a 22-year Australian Army career spanning tours in Rwanda, East Timor and Iraq, commanding operational units and elite teams of up to 300 soldiers from Australia, Egypt, the UK and the USA, at an executive lunch for our clients where they learned first-hand how to lead through adversity and approach their decision making.
Reg Crawford’s advice on leading through adversity
A leader’s job is to do everything they can to keep people safe
In times of crisis and uncertainty, a true leader’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of their team. It goes beyond physical safety; it extends to emotional and psychological security. By prioritising the safety of their people, leaders create a foundation of trust and confidence that empowers their team to emerge stronger and drive success during difficult times.
Influencing positive outcomes and demonstrating leadership in difficult situations is not the sole responsibility of leaders
Reg shared with the audience that leadership is not solely defined by a title or position; it’s a set of behaviours and actions. When people step up, take initiative, inspire others, and work collaboratively towards a common goal during difficult times, they are demonstrating leadership. Reg’s examples of how tech professionals can do this were:
- Showing resilience when a project veers off-course
- Displaying empathy
- Adapting to new circumstances
- Problem-solving skills
Planning is everything
While meticulous planning is essential for any leader to lead well, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge that plans go wrong. When unexpected challenges occur, leaders must learn to maintain composure, take a breath, and engage in thoughtful, creative problem-solving with their teams. The commitment to finding solutions, refusing to surrender to challenges, and summoning courage during upheaval is what sets exceptional leaders apart. Reg reminded our clients that adaptability and resilience are the cornerstones of successful leadership in turbulent times.
Be guided by your values and be authentic
Reg discussed the fact that truly great leaders understand that their actions and decisions should align with their ingrained values and principles. By being authentic and transparent in their approach, leaders can build trust and credibility with their team and stakeholders no matter their location, culture, profession or demographic. In times of adversity, leaders who know their values and stay true to them means they navigate complex situations more easily than their counterparts but this approach also sets an example for others to follow. Reg shared with our group that leadership is not just about achieving objectives; it’s about doing so with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to ethical conduct, even when faced with difficult choices.
You always have options
Reg’s experience has shown him that effective leaders understand that adversity often demands a departure from conventional approaches. When confronted with difficulties, a leaders’ ability to think and act differently can lead to breakthrough solutions and new paths to success.
Reg shared a story about being stopped at a Rwandan Patriotic Army roadblock when he was working at the UN headquarters there. He was driving home after working late one night when he was stopped at the roadblock and he was met by numerous Rwandan soldiers with their weapons trained on him. The tense situation forced Reg to calm down, breathe and think creatively about how to resolve the situation so he could move through the roadblock. He utilised his training to build rapport with the Rwandan squad and passed through the roadblock with ease.
When you are in a tight situation: calm down, breathe, think
Reg illustrated good decision-making in critical situations so that leaders maintain their deliberate rational thinking, including maintaining composure, taking a moment to gather their thoughts, and methodically working towards finding a solution. Reg shared a story of a time when he was deployed in the Middle East and one of his contingent was critically wounded, requiring an immediate airlift from an unsafe area. Reg focussed the team to not give up, despite several immediate options for the airlift not being possible due to the instability of the area they were in and time being their greatest pressure, however they were able to evacuate the soldier to the nearest hospital and his life was saved.
The leader cannot panic
A leader’s ability to remain composed and resolute in the face of adversity sets the tone for the entire team, inspiring confidence and guiding the team towards effective solutions. Reg emphasised that leadership is not just about making decisions, it’s also imperative to provide stability and assurance during turbulent moments.
You can go further than you imagine
True leaders understand that pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and continuously striving for excellence leads to success. This resilience encourages a mindset of relentless determination and a commitment to pursuing ambitious goals, even when the path ahead is daunting.
“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
Realise your potential
Reg closed our event by telling the audience that their choices define not only their path, but also the trajectory of the people and businesses they lead. He closed by saying that as leaders their focus right now should be on growth, resilience, and the realisation that they can go further than they imagined.
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