The central theme and cornerstone position of this book is that the U.S. military in general, and its many elite organizations in particular, possesses a culture of high performance. The six basic principles that operate at the foundation of high performance are leadership, organization, communication, knowledge, experience, and discipline or L.O.C.K.E.D. When all are practiced effectively, team work emerges. But, there is something else, the most elusive quality that exists at the heart of all elite military teams, the element that organizations and businesses deeply desire to perform more efficiently and effectively trust. Trust is easily spent, but hard won. The structure of this book will follow the L.O.C.K.E.D. format and share compelling anecdotes from leaders in the many elite units of the U.S. Military. As an employer of approximately 50 senior military officers that have served in elite units and communities such as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other fighter pilots from the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps, U.S. Navy SEALS, and U.S. Army Rangers, the author has direct access to a multitude of personal leadership stories that illustrate the principles of L.O.C.K.E.D.: Leadership Organization Communication Knowledge Experience Discipline
Your pulse quickens...your mind focuses...the mission is clear, the maneuvers rehearsed, and there are no second chances. You are about to engage in supersonic jet combat at 45,000 feet...or maybe you're about to enter a fierce sales battle with your toughest corporate competitor. These two scenarios are more closely related than they might appear. Business today moves faster than ever. The competition is ruthless, the pressure intense, the stakes dizzyingly high.
What can you do to survive? James Murphy, one of America's top fighter pilots, has the answers. By combining the cool calculation of a four-star general and the hot-blooded nerve of a combat pilot, Murphy's "modern business warrior" is uniquely qualified to prioritize, maintain focus, assess risk, and develop the kind of teamwork necessary for long-term success.
"Business is Combat is a blueprint that will work for anyone wanting to sustain the competitive edge. Jim Murphy has hit a home run!"-Tommy Lasorda
