Navy fighter pilots use the mantra "focus on the alligator closest to the canoe." In a world of constant distractions and competing priorities, this means identifying the single most critical, life-or-death threat and neutralizing it before addressing anything else, even other important tasks.
Using the baseball concept of "small ball," success in high-stakes environments comes from perfectly executing the little things over and over. This focus on fundamentals builds a foundation for consistent performance, rather than relying on occasional, high-risk "home runs."
Being excellent is easy when things are going well. The true test of your values, principles, and leadership is how you behave under extreme stress. These difficult moments are not an excuse to deviate from your standards; they are when your standards matter most.
While "intrusive" sounds negative, it can be a powerful positive. It means actively investing in someone else's life, asking questions, and getting close, especially with those you disagree with. This is the only way to bridge divides, foster genuine connection, and solve problems together.
A parable about Clydesdale horses illustrates that two trained individuals working together can achieve far more than double their separate efforts. A leader's job is to create this synergy, where the collective output of the team is exponentially greater than the sum of its parts.
Navy SEAL commander Mike Hayes asks leaders, "Who's in charge of what you're not doing?" This question highlights the need to be as intentional and accountable for the projects you reject as the ones you pursue. Strategic inaction is a missed opportunity for impact if not actively managed.
A U.S. Navy captain learned from an Italian colleague that trust isn't built by just working hard, but by spending informal time together. These personal connections are what enable teams to perform under extreme pressure, proving that relationship-building is not wasted time.