Jeff Wright is one of the finest leaders I have ever met. As a captain in the U.S. Army Rangers, Jeff was a platoon leader with storied 82nd Airborne Division. He is also an entrepreneur, husband, special needs parent, and an elder at Piedmont Church in Marietta, GA. I do not think anyone else in America has that resume. Therefore, I count it a privilege to know him as a friend and learn from him.
I recently joined Jeff as co-host of the Pursuit Of Service Podcast. This has become a labor of love for me. After a couple of “warm up” episodes I feel we are really hitting our stride as we strive to equip leaders and call them to serve others. Our leadership podcast basically allows the listeners to “be a fly on the wall” during our breakfast or lunch conversations. Make sure you click Here, the podcast tab at the top of the page, or on the image provided to subscribe. Each episode moving forward will include lessons from Jeff’s experiences and service to our country, leadership observations from me, and a “What Are You Learning” segment. Check out our past episodes as well.
In the episode dropping on Monday, September 7th, Jeff tells the compelling story of leading a convoy of four field artillery and combat vehicles through Samarra, Iraq. As they approached the city, the team struck Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and were ambushed by enemy gunfire. It was truly a life or death moment.
Jeff’s Team
How he led his squadron (shown here) during this attack proves to be a masterclass in being trained in discomfort, operating in discomfort, and leading in high-impact and high-risk scenarios and new environments.
Do not miss this interview! Click HERE to listen beginning Monday morning, September 7th. The following are the 3 Layers Of Discomfort Every Leader Must Become Comfortable In that Jeff discusses during our time together.
Introductory Comments
- “The U.S. Army Ranger school is ultimately a leadership school.”
- “Success (is) predicated upon being comfortable being uncomfortable.”
3 Layers Of Discomfort
Basic Training
- “This is the basic disciplines”
- “Keep going even if you have immediate physical or emotional discipline.”
- “(It is) getting used to being exhausted and doing one more rep or mile.
- “(It is) getting through the mental block.”
- “(It is) the basic of denying the comfort of the immediate benefit for long-term gain.”
- “I had been acclimated to the heat of the desert… I went on many missions when I didn’t have to… I studied enemy tactics. I had done the basic disciplines of keeping your heavy-armor gear and helmet on in the 100 degree heat of the desert.”
- “Being acclimated allowed me to continue to function.”
Decision-Making In Uncertainty
- “Decision-making in uncertainty what leaders are for.”
- “Operating in uncertain environments is one of the most important things a leader does.”
- “No decision is often worse than no decision.”
- “There’s a lot of luck involved.”
- “The one thing I could not do is nothing.”
Situational Discomfort
- “This is the source of personal growth.”
- “I was forced to elevate my game and it was intimidating.”
- “My level of discomfort was engrained early on (in Ranger School)… The only thing you can do is prepare yourself… The only way to learn is by doing it.”
Comments On Discomfort And Fear
- “Fear is the ultimate of that discomfort that you have to be operating in.”
- “The reason why training is so important… the fear is of some physical harm or of failure.”
- “But success is not possible unless you are acting despite the fear.”
- “The fear is normal… Sometimes you don’t have a choice but to take action above it.”
Closing Comments
- “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
Once again, Jeff’s comments are some of the most fascinating I have heard. It is a can’t-miss interview. Click HERE and please subscribe to our podcast Pursuit Of Service.
During the 2019 college football season, fans were given a gift when legendary coach Urban Meyer joined Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff preview show as a studio analyst. As a three-time national championship head coach, Coach Meyer’s ability to deliver complex leadership principles with brevity and concise terminology created a compelling experience for educated and “smart” fans. Throughout the season, I captured Coach Meyer’s best leadership quotes from this weekly show. I wanted to make them available to you in this new complimentary resource Urban Meyer 2019 Fox Sports Big Noon Kickoff Ebook.
The contents includes Winning Cultures, 3 Types of Teams, Strategy and Competition, Recruiting, Rivalry Games, Personal Performance, and much, much more. Click HERE to get your complimentary copy today! Trust me – this resource will make you a better leader.