Forget Risk; The Objective Matters Most

Not long ago, I was approached by a Harvard Business School student conducting a study on the psychology of risk.  The student had ambitions of becoming an entrepreneur, but felt he lacked the risk-seeking disposition necessary to forego the predictable pay and benefits of a regular job to start a business of his own.  To address this, he was interviewing former SEALs and entrepreneurs to divine what the two groups might share in common with respect to risk profiles.  Armed with the “secret sauce”, he thought he’d then map out an action plan to bolster his own risk tolerance.

I mention this, because the story of Lieutenant Michael Murphy’s actions in Afghanistan in June of 2005 evidenced a SEAL officer who accepted enormous personal risks with little regard to his own safety.  But what some might call bravado, I instead consider Murphy’s simply having taken whatever actions were necessary to accomplish his mission and to ensure, to the extent he was able, the well being of his men. 

Take, for example, his decision to move into a clearing to make a satellite telephone call for assistance.  The Harvard student might view this as a calculated act of bravery, accomplished by a guy “wired” a bit differently than the Average Joe.  Following this logic, Lieutenant Murphy did what he did, because he possessed an above-average risk tolerance, either innate or purposefully developed.  In contrast, a Special Warfare Operator would understand that Murphy simply did what he had to do.  Were he able to get reception on his satellite phone from a covered position, he presumably would not have exposed himself to enemy fire.  Being “SEAL Smart” means you don’t take unnecessary risks. 

What reconciles differing views on the acceptance of risk is clarity of purpose.  Even amidst the Fog of War, SEALs benefit from having a carefully thought set of objectives.  While circumstances typically dictate the “how”, the “what” remains clear.  In pursuing these objectives, SEALs often face difficult choices, fraught with risk.  However, an unwavering dedication to mission accomplishment and unflinching loyalty to one’s teammates enable SEALs to squarely face risks and make choices that sometimes result in their own demise.  Such was the situation Lieutenant Murphy faced.    

So to the Harvard student, or to anyone else wondering if he has the guts to assume a healthy dose of personal risk, I say this:  Stop questioning your risk tolerance, and focus on your objective.  If the mission is compelling enough, you’ll assume any risk necessary to achieve it.  Then, in the end, others will stand on the sidelines and admire you for your apparent bravado.

Mark Divine
Founder and CEO
BUD/S 170