The Ranger Legacy: Empowering Teams for Extraordinary Achievement

Over the years since I hung up the uniform, I continue to reflect on what my service meant to me, what being an Army Ranger meant, and the impact on my life. I look at this through a few lenses now. The first is the impact it had on me and what was most important, and the second is through the lens of leading and building a company focused on team effectiveness and high-performing individuals and organizations and how it can relate.

The desire to be an Army Ranger started, if you ask my mom, when I was 11 years old, growing up in Annapolis, MD. We all wanted gifts as a kid for Christmas, and I wanted nothing more than an M-16 BB gun. I'd run around our backyard in the woods pretending I was a soldier shooting things (including my house - oops) and chasing down the "bad guys," whomever they were in my head at that time. I was enamored by the soldiers in the Vietnam era, and almost everything I read (Time Life's Vietnam Experience) or watched (think Tour of Duty) was about Vietnam. There was an unexpected call to serve something "larger than oneself," and dying to defend the country would have been an honor.

Choosing the path of a Ranger was easy, and during my generation, the "be all that you can be (in the Army)" slogan was prevalent and everywhere. I'd grab all the trifold brochures recruiters would have out and always get excited when I saw the portion about Rangers. They were the best, and I wanted to be a part of it.

The best way to describe the impact on me and the power of an organization is through telling it via the Ranger Creed. In 1974, General Creighton Abrams, the Chief of Staff of the Army, ordered the reestablishment of a Ranger Battalion (1/75), and he directed that they would be the elite, setting the standards for the Army. Maintaining a code of ethics, a Ranger philosophy to live by, the Ranger Creed written by CSM Neal R. Gentry would encompass this philosophy. It would be the hallmark of all Rangers' spirit, discipline, and duty in peace and war. It is something that I recited hundreds of times throughout my career and something the Ranger Regiment did on nearly a daily basis. This is the power of shared values.

Below I highlight both what was important to me and how each phrase translates to the business world today. 

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I'll always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers (my Ranger Regiment for those who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment).

Volunteering holds a powerful testament that when we volunteer, we are choosing the path we are on and should hold ourselves responsible for our actions and give what we can toward the success of an organization. Upholding the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps is a form of "ownership." 

• Maintain a strong company culture and upholding the reputation and values of the organization.
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all business dealings.
• Foster a positive and cohesive team environment to enhance employee morale and productivity.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite Soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger, my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other Soldier.

The responsibility of choosing a profession of arms and the trust the country places on the shoulders of its Ranger fighting force is immense. There is a heavy investment in training Rangers, and when you love your country, carrying the honor of representing them is always there. They (the country) entrusted me and others with protecting them.

• Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation to stay ahead of the competition.
• Adapt quickly to changing market conditions and customer/member needs, enabling swift decision-making and agile responses. Don't be afraid to change.
• Going above and beyond expectations to deliver exceptional products or services, exceeding customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

 The bond and trust between Rangers are immeasurable. Every day was an assessment and selection day because proving you belong was an everyday event. The reliance on each other was profound, and the last thing I ever wanted to do was fail one of my fellow Rangers.

• Cultivate a strong sense of teamwork, collaboration, and support among colleagues and departments.
• Take personal responsibility for tasks and projects, going the extra mile to ensure their successful completion.
• Demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the organization's mission and goals, standing by colleagues, employees, and leaders during challenging times.

Gallantly will I show the world that I'm a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Being part of the Ranger Regiment was an extreme honor, and early in my career, I learned the aspect of being a "quiet professional" and letting actions speak louder than words resonated. We were to set an example for the Army and the country.

• Lead by example through professional conduct, demonstrating respect and fairness in all business and personal interactions.
• Emphasize the importance of attention to detail, quality, and professionalism in work processes and deliverables.
• Encourage personal growth and development among employees, inspiring them to strive for excellence and achieve their full potential.

Energetically I will meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle because I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a falling comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy, and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

This stanza of the Ranger Creed is my favorite. There is so much impact in this stanza that wraps up much about what being an Army Ranger means. Surrounded by a group of warfighters who believed the same thing brought the desire to show up and be my best each day. The knowledge that they would fight to the end for you and that we will never leave a fallen comrade is a powerful motivator to fight and serve. And behind all of that is never wanting to embarrass the country.

• Approach business challenges with determination and resilience, finding creative solutions and overcoming obstacles.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I will be the lone survivor.

Intestinal fortitude describes the courage and determination to do something difficult or unpleasant. Some days are tough; we must "embrace the suck" to accomplish the mission.

• Exhibit a commitment to delivering results and meeting objectives, even in the face of adversity.
• Ensuring the success and well-being of all stakeholders, including customers, members, employees, and shareholders, through effective planning, execution, and risk management.

Rangers lead the way!

The final phrase said at the end of each reciting of the Creed wraps it up in simple terms, "Rangers, you lead the way" now go out there and show the Army and the world what you are made of through words and deeds.

• Inspire and empower employees to take initiative, embrace leadership roles, and drive innovation within the organization.
• Set strategic visions and goals, effectively communicating, and aligning the team towards a common purpose.
• Serve as a role model for leadership, courage, and decisiveness, inspiring others to embrace challenges and achieve extraordinary results.

The Ranger Creed served as a values compass for me during my time in the Ranger Regiment, and this is what I lived by every day. It is a powerful testament to the power of a common set of shared values and purpose that can unite individuals and organizations, both in the military and the civilian workforce. By embracing the principles of ownership, responsibility, trust, teamwork, and perseverance, we can create a culture of excellence and high performance in any field. The lessons learned as an Army Ranger continue to shape my personal and professional journey. I strive to instill those values in my teams, fostering a sense of purpose and commitment to achieving extraordinary results.