Floating on the Willamette River watching last nights fireworks with my family I couldnt help but think of our founding fathers and the sacrifices they made when they fought to establish our countrys freedom. Those thoughts of respect and admiration in turn led me to think about of our troops oversees currently fighting to protect our way of life and preserve our freedom. The more I began to ponder the heroism of our military (past and present) the more I began to consider the traits possessed by our nations warriors. I believe the same characteristics that are present in the heart of a warrior are also present in the most successful executives and entrepreneurs.

Regardless of whether or not they have served in the military, todays business leaders would be well served to possess the characteristics of a warrior in their pursuit to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. Commitment, attention to detail, discipline, service above self, honor, integrity, perseverance, the ability to both lead and follow, to execute with precision and the ability to adapt, improvise and overcome are all traits that will serve you well in the boardroom.

The characteristics mentioned above will allow you to inspire and lead with a focus and commitment not present in DNA of those leaders who dont have the heart, mind and soul of a warrior. It is the ability to stay mentally focused on achieving the mission at hand regardless of circumstances that will help you take your organization to that next level.

A warriors heart has served my family well in both business and life in general. It is the mental agility, fierce determination and a never say die attitude that has carried us through the best of times and the worst of times. My father was a marine before he was an attorney, I served in the army before I entered the business world and my son is currently attending the University of Virginia on an air force ROTC scholarship. While not all great leaders have served in the military those of you who possess the heart of a warrior understand the advantages you derive from your military bearing and state of mind. Ive rarely come across students of military history that dont have a great command of both strategic thinking and tactical implementation.

I strongly recommend to all business leaders that they learn to develop a command presence and lead from a committed position of strength. Refusing to surrender and having the ability to make the tough decision or the needed sacrifice will allow your company to continue taking ground and will keep the competitive advantage on the side of your enterprise.