After 22 years of service, I transitioned from the military to the business world, an experience that highlighted stark contrasts in management styles. My army career, beginning as a vehicle mechanic in the REME, instilled in me principles applicable far beyond the battlefield.
Can businesses learn from the military? Absolutely. My ventures since leaving the armed forces, though not always successful, revealed that a military-inspired approach to management could have significantly improved their outcomes. This isn’t about barking orders; it’s about effective leadership.
Traditional businesses often rely on financial incentives or the threat of job loss for motivation, leading to high employee turnover. The military, however, leverages a more potent tool: valued time off. While constant vacations aren’t feasible, the principle of rewarding hard work with meaningful breaks is.
In the early 90s, managing a vehicle workshop, I experimented with unconventional methods. During slow periods, a simple dice game determined who handled the phones, while the others enjoyed time off. This boosted morale and, consequently, production. Other tactics included informal meetings and rewarding top performers with extended leave. These weren’t isolated incidents; they reflected a commitment to employee well-being.
Of course, unmotivated individuals exist everywhere. In such cases, a firmer hand was necessary.
Observing the civilian workforce, I often see a lack of motivation, except among the self-employed. This suggests a failure in management. The prevalence of distractions like personal online activity during work hours further underscores this point.
In conclusion, the British military offers valuable lessons in effective management and organizational leadership. Perhaps this is a topic the BBC should explore.
About the Author: Peter Arkwright is the Managing Director of Bizseller4u.com, a platform for business listings.