Happy Sunday Friend,

In today’s Sunday edition and video, we dive into the wisdom of Retired Navy Captain Brett Crozier, who once helmed the USS Theodore Roosevelt, one of the US Navy’s most formidable warships. With a vast responsibility for over 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, Captain Crozier shared invaluable leadership tips in his book, Surf When You Can. This is one of the best books I’ve read in the last few months. I don’t know if it was because I could relate to so many of the stories in the book, or if knowing members of the Navy that have served under his command, but I really connected with this book.

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Here are a few points that I want to share from the book:

1. Pull Like a Clydesdale

• Unity makes strength. While an individual’s heroism can yield incredible outcomes, a team often surpasses what one person can achieve alone.

• Fun fact: A single Clydesdale horse can tug 3-8 thousand pounds. But a team? They can pull a whopping 24-32 thousand pounds!

2. Never Turn Down Espresso

• Building relationships is fundamental to success.

• Bonding over a coffee break or nurturing connections outside work can make all the difference.

• On a lighter note, Captain Crozier recalls working with Italian Military Officers. Their thrice-a-day espresso breaks, filled with light chatter, were not just about the brew but fostering connections.

3. Focus on the Closest Alligator

• Amidst a sea of challenges, prioritizing is essential. Direct your team’s energies towards the most pressing tasks, tackling them one by one.

4. Play Small Ball

• A nod to baseball, this tip reminds us that consistent, small steps forward can lead to significant successes. It’s all about strengthening the fundamentals and progressing steadily.

5. Surf When You Can

• A balanced life matters. Engaging in activities that bring joy outside of work can significantly uplift team performance.

✍️ Closing Thoughts

Using these tips, leaders can foster teams that are focused on people. The people are responsible for mission success. Despite all the challenges teams face, when a leader focuses on the people and backs the team, the team is more likely to win.

➰Stay in the Loop!

Please feel free to share your thoughts on this week’s newsletter by leaving a comment. If you enjoyed this read, we’d appreciate a thumbs up or a share! We look forward to accompanying you on your journey toward self-improvement and success.

📖What’s Next?

Next week, I will discuss Eliyahu Goldratt’s Critical Chain. If there is something you want me to review, or if you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email. I work to reply to every email related to my YouTube channel and newsletter.

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