Posted on Dec 10, 2015
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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Do you know the 10 phrases SEAL Teams don't accept (and neither should you)?

RP Members do you agree with the (10)?

If you catch yourself uttering any of the following sayings in the office, you should stop. Here's why.

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/10_phrases_SEAL_Teams_dont_accept_and_neither_shou_50511.aspx

While the parallels between special operations and business closely mirror each other in some regards, there are also glaring differences. The most significant difference I've found in the year plus that I've been out of the military is what is considered acceptable and unacceptable in the workplace.

In a SEAL Team room, for instance, there are (legal) mementos collected from high-level missions, pictures from past training trips, and photos to memorialize fallen teammates. On the other hand, a corporate culture is not likely to hang the suit and tie of the CEO whose company you just acquired, nor will there be pictures memorializing past employees who worked at the company for six months.

Of the social norms that differ between the two professions, nothing is more apparent than the definition of what "acceptable" means. What is normal in the SEAL Teams, for instance, is typically considered abnormal elsewhere (go figure). Here's a quick rundown of 10 sayings I did not hear in the Teams and the reasons why:
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 14
LTC Senior Observer   Coach/Trainer
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Great post, although not specific to the SEALs. These are rules any successful leader or follower needs to follow in order to be successful. It all comes down to four things: do your job, take responsibility for your actions, put the team and the mission first, and take care of your buddies. Do those things and you will succeed, and sadly in the military or civilian sector both, you will probably be in the top 10% of employees.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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SGT Joseph W.
SGT Joseph W.
9 y
Sir, thank you for breaking it down to the most cogent points! You are either on-time or late!
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PFC Rec Aide
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I can't get over the fact that the guy pictured above is wearing a WWII era helmet with a BDU cover, a shemagh, and a MARPAT IBA.

The article is great btw!
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PFC Rec Aide
PFC (Join to see)
9 y
The other "Special" Warfare sir.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
9 y
PFC (Join to see) I thought that was unusal as well.
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SSG Jess Peters
SSG Jess Peters
5 y
The helmet cover pictured was standard wear with the steel pot along with an elastic band
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
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I love it Colonel and it's right on! Great post and great and positive advice for all of us. Thank you Sir for posting!
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
9 y
Sgt David G Duchesneau I thought it was worthwhile in providing! Thanks
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