Need Help During This Crisis? Turn to the Veteran on Your Team
The military thrives on readiness (fight tonight!) and crisis. Many of the acronyms and catchy sayings servicemembers grow accustomed to were born from the need to communicate clearly and manage chaotic times.
For example, SITREP or Situation Report is a concise statement that requires the receiver to deliver the 5 W’s of his or her situation. SITREPs give a battlefield commander the information he or she needs to see the big picture and direct resources and units appropriately. “What’s happening or happened and who else needs to know?” This phrase, famous among military operation centers, promotes heightened awareness followed by knowledge sharing so critical managing a crisis. These skills are so important that those who fail the test are eventually separated from service. The military practices physical distancing often and effectively. In combat, to cover more terrain and prevent attacks on large gatherings of troops, units will be spread thin, miles away from their parent headquarters on small, fortified bases, some only accessible by helicopter.
The only lifeline is tactical radio and satellite communication, chat rooms and secure email or video conferencing to communicate critical information, direct crisis management and call for reinforcements. Years of combat have sharpened this skill. Many veterans can communicate just as well on a phone call or chat box as they can in person. Last, but not least, lock-down and isolation. As they deploy to combat, troops move from isolated area to isolated area under the precise accountability standards of the military, accounting for those entering and returning from war. We fight from isolated bases constantly accounted for, ready at any moment for action.
While veterans are skilled and experienced, they are not magicians. They certainly cannot reopen your business or cure a virus. What they can do is help you and your team think and act calmly and clearly preventing strategic mistakes which may haunt your organization. Reach out to the veterans in your organization or others you may know and let them help you through the impacts of COVID-19 and future crises which are sure to come.
Rob Campbell