3 Naval Leadership Lessons from Conning a Ship for Business Success

Updated on: June 17, 2025

As a junior officer conning a nuclear submarine, I learned to steer through uncertainty with precision. The helm taught me three key lessons in naval leadership that translate directly to business success: swift decision-making, intuitive strategies, and fostering team trust. Here’s how these principles can guide your leadership journey.

Here are three key lessons:

Act Swiftly: Master Leadership Decision-Making Skills

In the vast and unpredictable sea, delaying decisions can turn a minor issue into a crisis.

As a new Officer of the Deck, I learned it was crucial not to wait for the perfect course of action. Make a decision swiftly, then adjust as more information becomes available. The principle is simple: start moving and keep refining.

By acting swiftly and refining as new data emerged, we avoided disaster. This approach applies to business too—hesitation in procurement or operations can cost millions.

Swift decisions are critical at sea and in business. Explore procurement decision-making strategies to stay ahead.

Trust Your Gut: Develop Intuitive Leadership Strategies

While there are many rules to guide decisions at sea, the most skilled officers often rely on their gut, which they have built up over years of experience. This intuition is your best ally in navigating complex situations quickly and effectively. Dive deep into challenges; let each experience sharpen your instincts.

Build a Bold Team: Foster Trust in Business Leadership

A vital lesson came to me when I nearly made a costly mistake, only to be corrected by my team. It highlighted the importance of having a crew that felt empowered to challenge decisions—a safety net made of trust and mutual respect. Encourage open communication and foster an environment where every team member feels confident in voicing concerns.

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Engagement Question

I’m curious to hear from you — what lessons have your unique experiences taught you about leadership? Have you ever had a moment where swift action or team trust made a significant difference?

These naval leadership lessons—swift action, intuitive strategies, and team trust—can transform your business. What leadership challenges are you facing? Share your thoughts below or connect with us to explore how these principles can drive your success.

Visit our other posts to see how these leadership principles can be applied to your procurement strategy.