Lessons from the USMC to the Boardroom - Darryl Hawkins
Military experience can provide a powerful foundation, instilling discipline, teamwork, and leadership are qualities that are invaluable in business. Advancing to and from a Non-Commissioned Officer “NCO” in the Marines to a Senior Executive is a feat that I have never thought was possible. My time in the military provided a footing that significantly influenced my approach to business. Leading teams across the US has provided a diverse perspective to understanding how culture and having effective leadership in place is key to success. Learning from advisors and leaders quickly exhibited that senior leadership is about steering an organization toward long-term success while maintaining a commitment to ethical practices and stakeholder satisfaction. Leadership consistently required a blend of strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and operational expertise. These skills are invaluable with respect to being able to serve on various boards of directors. Being a teammate serving on both for-profit as well as non-for-profit boards has also allowed me to leverage years of unique skillsets and expertise to provide strategic oversight and leadership, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of organizations.
Reflecting on my time in the military, discipline was not just a practice; it was a way of life. This rigorous discipline translated well into the corporate realm, where strategic planning, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic are crucial. Teamwork learned in the USMC fosters collaboration and collective problem-solving, which are essential for driving business success. Leadership skills, honed through challenging situations in the USMC, became invaluable in guiding teams, making strategic decisions, and navigating the complexities of the corporate (civilian) world. One of my favorite quotes is, “A wise man knows that he knows nothing at all.” this statement highlights the importance of always craving knowledge. Without guidance and mentorship, it can be challenging for some to reach their fullest potential. A pronounced example of reaching one’s fullest potential is General Colin Powell! He is one of the leaders that I continue to admire; he was the former Joint Chief of Staff and Secretary of State.
Secretary Powell’s journey from the South Bronx to the highest echelons of the U.S. government is a testament to his resilience and commitment. His legacy continues to inspire many in both military and civilian sectors. One of my favorite books by Secretary Powell is “It Worked for ME.” This memoir deeply resonates with my experiences and beliefs. The values discussed in his book aligned closely with the principles that I learned in the military and my professional career. In the book, he shares leadership lessons, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and empathy. His book specifically detailed “13 Rules of Leadership,” where he showcased principles that embodied Powell’s philosophy on leadership and management. In business, maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on solutions rather than problems is vital for long-term success. The Marines instill a can-do attitude, which is essential for leaders in the civilian world. Believing that any challenge can be overcome fosters a culture of innovation and progress. This mindset encourages teams to push boundaries and achieve what was once thought impossible.
Rule #3 in Powell’s book highlights the significance of separating your ego from your position. If your ego isn’t tied to your position, your self-esteem won’t be affected by mistakes. The trappings of success, such as a higher salary or a prestigious position, can make us complacent and overconfident. This false sense of security can leave us vulnerable to manipulation, as we may trust the wrong people or ignore critical feedback. An inflated ego also narrows our vision, making us less open to new ideas and perspectives. It can lead us to make decisions that are not aligned with our values, driven more by pride or the desire to maintain our status than by genuine leadership principles. Success can sometimes create an illusion of infallibility, leading to an inflated ego that can distort our perception and behavior. Breaking free from this cycle requires self-awareness and humility. It involves reflecting on our actions, acknowledging our limitations, and remaining true to our core values. Over the years, this journey hasn’t been easy, as it demands constant vigilance and the willingness to be self-critical.
The military teaches resilience, the ability to persevere through adversity. In business, this translates to navigating challenges, overcoming setbacks, and continuously striving for improvement. Resilience ensures that businesses can adapt to market changes, recover from failures, and emerge stronger. Marines are trained to always find a solution, no matter the difficulty. This mindset is crucial in business, where problem-solving and adaptability are key to staying competitive. The ability to find a way forward, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, drives innovation and growth.
Learning from leaders, mentors, as well as frontline employees has helped shape my leadership style. By integrating ideologies with insights from Colin Powell’s Book “It Worked For Me,” I have been able to foster a culture of integrity, innovation, and excellence in the organizations I serve. Ultimately, true leadership is about serving others and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. It calls for selflessness, where the focus is on the collective good rather than personal gain. Embracing this mindset helps in avoiding the pitfalls of an inflated ego, leading to more authentic and effective leadership. As you advance in business, the illusion of superiority can sometimes accompany high-ranking positions in corporate America, by being open to mentorship can help keep one grounded. Steering an organization toward long-term success requires not only strategic thinking and operational expertise but also a strong commitment to ethical practices and stakeholder satisfaction. These leadership traits are invaluable in building strong partnerships on the board of directors. Boards must be committed to representing the interests of all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and the community, by making informed decisions that balance short-term performance with long-term strategic goals. Through active engagement, robust governance practices, and a dedication to continuous improvement, my focus has always been to enhance the organization’s value and impact. The core values embraced in the military honor, courage, commitment, and resilience continue to guide my professional endeavors, guaranteeing that leadership is both principled and effective while placing culture, long-term sustainability, and growth as the key KPIs for success!
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