Life on the X
X = Unknown
In algebra, 'X' is the unknown quantity.
Malcolm X took it further; choosing the surname 'X' to identify his true heritage was unknown.
On treasure maps, 'X' marks the spot, a locational marker identifying a designated position.
For Naval operators like my podcast guest Stephen Drum, a retired Navy SEAL, 'X' is the objective center point. Much like that of the map. Physically the destination of a mission or operation.
Yet Stephen shares that beyond a coordinate, 'X' defines the moment of genuine fear or stress because that is where you have to be clear on your intentions and where opportunity exists.
It's when you are on the ‘X” where every decision, action, and the moment is meaningful. It can be life-defining.
'X' using these two pathways of definition is unknown, yet known.
You can be on the ‘X’ figuratively, en route to the ‘X’ literally.
Leaders must navigate life on the ‘X’ daily, en route to the ‘X.’
Rarely do leaders have to make decisions as dynamic or with the magnitude of SEALs, yet their ability to make the decisions and act is affected by the same habits, attributes, and mindsets.
How one reacts when a decision yields unintended consequences takes the same level of preparation and development, regardless of the setting.
Scoreboard
A scoreboard rarely tells the whole story. While games are won and lost relative to scores, our performance rarely follows the same metrics.
A team can statistically struggle yet be leading the score; conversely, a team can be statistically perfect and be behind. One does not guarantee another.
We can focus solely on individual performance and create a scoreboard accounting for it with our teams, yet this scoring can undermine every aspect of the mission.
It can pit teammates against each other and leaders against everyone. Yet, it's in these moments when so much more is needed from leaders.
The US Army developed After-Action Reviews. After each mission, formally and informally, an assessment is made to learn. To understand what went according to plan and what did not.
Even with the best intentions, preparation, and action, missions fail. At the same, the best-made sales presentations fall short of closing the sale.
How can we discern the outcome and process?
Ask whether the values and beliefs of the organization and each team member align and work together to achieve the desired outcome.
Values and beliefs are a basis and foundation for character. When people embody their values and beliefs, they act by following principles.
Many missions fail because beliefs contradict values leaving principles void. Character is abandoned because the stress of the “X’ has clouded the intentions of the moment. Everything goes out the window when the &hit hits the fan.
The great unknown; has preparation and mindset created a hard-wired character to follow the process regardless of the short-term outcomes? Are you acting on what's truly important for those around you? That is being on the 'X'
No one knows how they will perform until they are on the ‘X.’ When the stakes are highest, or the situation is the darkest.
It isn’t all on us.
Navy SEALs are divided into teams, platoons, and even smaller squads. However, their success relies on the collective ability of the entire group to link arms with each other.
An individual's rank or experience does not affect their responsibility to each other. Each must look out for each other. It's pure survival. However, the leader sets the example and standard.
A leader's ability to seek clarification, accept questioning, and be vulnerable are the keys to how everyone responds on the ‘X.’
If a leader shuns people for asking or reflecting on information, no one will ask questions, and all progress will stop.
A key attribute to success on the ‘X’ is the ability to perform with creativity based on the circumstance.
Creativity needs vulnerability, and effective vulnerability needs to be supported. As the leader, you create and set the example for the quality of support offered to your people.
Allowing and encouraging people to make mistakes and grow from them will create conditions where life on the ‘X’ is exciting and rewarding. The unknown of the ‘X’ feeds the chase of finding a treasure with each step along the way, not just where ‘X’ marks the spot.
When ‘X’ is multiplied by values and beliefs centered around vulnerability, creativity, and support, the resulting relationships will yield greater than the components in any calculation.
Life on the 'X' releases on March 7th, 2023. Pre-order a copy now.
