Joseph W. Smiley’s Post

My time in the Navy has shown me just how bad most people are at determining and setting their priorities. This spans from both the macro of their life to the day to day things they spend time on. I think this is largely due to conditioning by organizations that make us reliant on them “thinking” for us: school, company culture, military. In the case of company culture (especially the military), there is also the tendency to try and “get it all done”. My personal quote is “If everything is a priority, then nothing is.” Granted this stance doesn’t often win you friends in the command. 🤷🏿♂️ One of the best leaders I ever worked for kept a dry erase board up in his office where each directorate could see the “top 3” due outs he was tracking for them. Nothing else tarnished the board. ****When is the last time you actively and intentionally set your priorities?**** What are your top 3 priorities right now? Do you have a process or framework for realigning priorities as things change in your life? Feel free to share your answers to these questions. I’ll share mine in the comments.

Military culture, learnings and customs absolutely have a place in business. I recently published an internal H1 Military & Veterans Programs Report here at Cushman & Wakefield. The opening page of the report read this: "...we continue to prove that these efforts are more than “nice to have”, as we acquire top talent from the MilVet community, build positive brand equity and attract professional relationships with culturally aligned leaders - allowing us to do more every day. In 2023 we continue to deliver and live up to having earned the recognition for which we’ve worked so hard to embody; and finding new and innovative ways to continue to drive greater programmatic excellence through attracting and developing top talent and winning business. The Marine Corps motto is Semper Fidelis. It is Latin for “Always Faithful”. It represents a Marine’s faith in serving the core values of the Marines; Honor, Courage and Commitment - to each other, to country and to the mission. In business we can adopt these values in similar terms – we’re faithful to our core values, to each other and to the values of respect, boldness, great solutions, to our customers and our relationships. Values of winners and of being the best are shared between the military and business. The MVP team embraces these every day as we uphold our three pillars – People, Brand and Business." #semperfi #people #brand #business C&W Services

Success can be hard work. It requires diligent perseverance. Winston Churchill said, ‘Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.’ Discipline is what transforms ideas into accomplishments. Great leaders understand the importance of discipline, and they are dedicated to keeping themselves and the team committed to the essential elements that lead to long-term success. The team below has done just that!! They’ve put in countless hours refining their craft in order to showcase to our career fields most senior leaders that they’re the best at the Air Force Combat Operations Competition at Beale AFB California. The team, comprised of 11 Airmen, competed against 8 other teams representing their Major Command in 9 events tailored to our wartime function. Each demanding knowledge and skill, testing team work in a fast past and austere environment. In the end I can say that I’m extremely proud of them as they took 1st place in 3 of the 9 events and second place overall!! While we all would’ve preferred to come out on top, I and many other can attest that they left it all on the field!! No matter how hot it was…they fought! No matter how tired they were…they dug deeper for more energy! No matter how difficult the task…they leaned on each other to persevere!! Firebirds!! Lead the Way!! #globalstrike #ammo #afcocomp #28muns

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a monumental shift, filled with both challenges and opportunities. From our pre-recruiting phase through our military career and even the transition readiness phase, we often hear about the wonderful value our military experience brings to the table. However, there is a caveat that is overlooked. Our military experience works beautifully in the civilian space ONLY if we adopt the appropriate mindset for our civilian careers. One key aspect often overlooked is the mindset adjustment and time requirement necessary for this transition. Download my brief pdf article, "Transitioning with Purpose-Shedding Negative Military Mindset and Traits for Civilian Success." #validusvince #validuscoaching #mindpreneur #transformationeur #leadership #jobpostings #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoach #leadershiptraining #leadershipskills #leadershipcoaching #womenleadership #thoughtleadership #leadershipmatters #leadershiptips #leadershipteam #recruitment #leadership101 #authenticleadership #inspire #lifecoach #lifecoaching #mindset #empowering #mindsetcoaching #empower #transformation #motivation #selfmastery #masteringself #leadershipmindset #organizationalleadership #careercoach #militarytransition #linkedin #careercoaching

💡 Wednesday Words of Wisdom: "You're not entitled to anything but more hard work." - Admiral William McRaven (U.S. Navy, Retired) One of my favorite parts about being a USAA employee is the Military Leadership Series the company hosts, which spotlights current and former military leaders who come speak to us about the challenges they have faced and the many lessons learned in the process. I love learning, and I especially love learning from our warfighters, who help me sharpen my military acumen and garner wisdom that can be translated from the battlefield to the boardroom. Last week, I was thrilled to hear from Adm. McRaven. Most of us in Texas relate to him as the former chancellor of the University of Texas system who is well-known for his now-viral commencement advice to Longhorns graduates: “Make your bed.” However, his accomplishments and advice span well beyond that. My list of insights gained from Adm. McRaven's fireside chat is long, but I'll share one takeaway here today. It doesn't matter how skilled you are, how many times you've succeeded in the past, or how much authority and stature you possess in your role. The only easy day was yesterday, and you are only as good as how you show up the next time you are needed to deliver. As leaders and teammates, we must demonstrate the attitude that we have something to prove every day. It's an honor to be a leader, and while we don't have to be perfect, we do have to continuously prove we are worthy to serve our team and earn their respect. There is no entitlement, and the hard work never ends. #wednesdaywow #usaaemployee #makeyourbed #admiralmcraven #workhard

Private Business Owners – Talent Development. Why does that matter to you? The best companies know that to constantly improve performance as an organization their associates should grow in their abilities, skill sets, and knowledge base. Then, these associates have to apply these practically on the job – which means EXPERIENCE. Most companies have some level of structure or plan for Talent Development, whatever the name they give to it. That’s good. BUT, what plan do you have to develop the strategic leadership at the highest level of your company? Who is YOUR protégé, who could step into YOUR role if needed in an emergency? Or, who you have mentored to take over the company eventually? In 2021, only 34% of family businesses self-reported a full succession plan in place. Part of any succession plan requires capable, experienced leadership. We believe a strong Mentor-Protégé program is a key component of any succession plan. If you don’t have a deliberate Mentor-Protégé program, ask us about 2 unique models we have that we can help you build for your company. Contact Us and ask about a Mentor-Protégé Program: www.return2homeport.com Data Source: https://lnkd.in/dknsQ3kJ #talentdevelopment #talent #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #talentmanagement #army #navy #airforce #marines #spaceforce #coastguard

This report by LinkedIn is interesting, but I don't think a single veteran I know would be surprised by any of it. "Despite veterans having leadership as a top skill and nearly 2x more work experience than nonveterans, veterans are half as likely to reach director or vice president leadership roles in the civilian workforce." In my book F*ck it, Watch This, I demonstrate the different ways lessons I learned as a veteran apply to the civilian workplace and how you can apply them yourself. www.fckitwatchthis.com See the report here: https://lnkd.in/gpzrhkfn

I consistently seek ways to challenge myself mentally and physically, and I'm delighted that Theo and Ella, my kids, have joined me in this practice. this past weekend we did our first Spartan Race ever. I've come to realize that much of who I am was shaped during my time in the military, and now I have the opportunity to impart these lessons to them without necessitating their involvement in the armed forces if they choose otherwise. Transitioning from the United States Marine Corps to the corporate world involves leveraging various skills acquired during military service. Here are five transferable skills: 1. Leadership:   Marines are trained to lead in challenging and dynamic environments, often under extreme pressure. They understand the importance of clear communication, strategic planning, and leading by example. 2. Teamwork and Collaboration:   Marines are accustomed to working closely with diverse teams to accomplish missions effectively. They understand the significance of teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support. In the corporate world, these skills are invaluable for fostering a collaborative environment, building strong relationships, and achieving shared goals. 3. Adaptability and Resilience:   Marines are trained to adapt to rapidly changing situations and thrive in high-stress environments. They possess a strong sense of resilience, enabling them to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity. 4. Problem-solving:   Marines are adept problem-solvers, trained to analyze complex situations, identify obstacles, and develop effective solutions. Their ability to think critically, act decisively, and troubleshoot under pressure is transferable to various corporate settings. 5. Discipline and Work Ethic:   Marines adhere to high standards of discipline, integrity, and work ethic. They understand the importance of dedication, accountability, and attention to detail in achieving success. These qualities translate seamlessly into the corporate world, where professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic are essential for individual and organizational performance. I look forward to continuing to challenge myself and leading by example not only in the workplace but at home. #worklifebalance Spartan #unitedstatesmarines

🌟 Day 5/100: The Essence of Resilience 🌟 Welcome to Day 5 of our journey. Today, we delve into resilience, a cornerstone of both military training and successful civilian careers. In the military, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about facing challenges head-on, adapting, and emerging stronger. Winston Churchill’s words, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,” echo the military ethos that shapes resilient leaders in civilian life. Resilience in the military translates to the ability to navigate setbacks, change, and uncertainty in the civilian workplace with grace and strength. It’s about maintaining focus and determination, regardless of the obstacles. In transitioning to civilian roles, veterans bring this invaluable resilience, enhancing team dynamics, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in driving personal and professional growth. #Resilience #MilitaryTransition #VeteranStrength #Day5of100 📌 5/100: As we continue our series, remember that resilience is not just a response to adversity but a proactive approach to life’s challenges. It’s a skill that veterans excel in and one that is highly valued in every professional sphere.