Change is inevitable. What separates thriving organizations from those that falter is not the scale of disruption but how leaders respond to it. In times of shifting technologies, evolving business priorities, and constant transformation, leadership is less about control and more about ownership and trust.
The foundation of effective leadership is often built long before the boardroom. Sports, for example, provide timeless lessons about teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. Success rarely comes from individual talent alone. It comes when everyone pulls in the same direction. That principle applies as much to a championship team as it does to a high‑performing business unit.
One philosophy that resonates strongly in moments of disruption is Jocko Willink’s concept of Extreme Ownership. The premise is simple yet uncompromising: leaders own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame. When challenges arise, the question is not “Who is at fault?” but “What can be done to move forward?” This mindset creates clarity and accountability, showing teams that leadership is not about distancing from the struggle but leaning into it fully.
Equally important is a We > Me mindset. Ownership does not mean carrying the burden alone. It means creating an environment where the team feels empowered to step up, contribute, and take responsibility alongside their leader. The best teams, whether on the field or in the office, are not defined by a single star but by collective trust and shared purpose. When individuals know their contributions matter, they rise to the occasion.
Bringing these two philosophies together, Extreme Ownership and We > Me, creates a leadership style built for uncertainty. Ownership ensures accountability. We > Me ensures collaboration. Together, they build resilience. When disruption strikes, the most effective leaders remind their teams that while the outcome will be owned at the top, it will be achieved together. That balance of responsibility and shared purpose transforms change from a threat into an opportunity.
Leadership in times of change is not about having all the answers. It is about setting the tone, taking responsibility, and building a culture where trust fuels adaptability and innovation. Sports teach it. Extreme Ownership sharpens it. And the We > Me mindset ensures that no matter how turbulent the environment, teams move forward as one.