With the world and economy in a constant state of flux, it is easy to allow fear to transform into panic. There are two differentiating factors that separate human beings from animals. The first is our ability to achieve higher levels of thought (planning), and the second is our ability to control fear. Animals cannot disconnect the two.

Don't allow fear to control your strategic goals. Rise above your animal instincts

Back in 1994 I went through U.S Army Ranger training. For those of you who are civilians, the United States Army Ranger School is an intense 61-day combat leadership course oriented towards small-unit tactics. It has been called the "toughest combat course in the world" and "is the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school the Army has to offer". Usually 60% of all Ranger candidates wash out or quit during training. I personally lost 41 lbs during my luxury stay. There are many reasons why this course is so difficult, but the primary reason the Ranger school exists is to weed out those who cannot operate under war like conditions and develop leaders who can plan and conduct combat operations under the most difficult conditions.

React to Ambush

There is one particular exercise I learned from Ranger school that has had a profound meaning in my life and I have found relevant in the business world. React to Ambush is an infantry tactic used to counter an enemies use of the ambush, to entrap and kill combat soldiers with overwhelming force. If performed correctly, effective ambushes achieve kill rates upwards of 99%.

Training

If you are an untrained civilian and were to come upon an ambush, most likely your reaction would be to run. This virtually guarantees death. Honestly, I wouldn't blame you. However, as a Ranger you are trained to react to overwhelming force with overwhelming force and run directly into the enemies position and line of fire. This may seem counter intuitive, but is the only effective strategy to live during a close ambush. The enemy expects you to run or die in place. The maneuver takes your chance of living from .99%, to somewhere around 15%. Great training and a good strategy can give you 15% better chance of living.

Whats the point?

Within our worsening economic environment, comes great opportunity, because most people and organizations become defensive. Organizations and individuals take on predictable fear based characteristics. Do not allow yourself to become consumed by your animal instincts, but develop a strategy to take advantage of the opportunity provided by others reactions. Leaders use intellect and strategy to achieve goals, while those who are left behind use excuses and blame, because they are consumed by their own fear.

How do I apply this?

1. The first thing is knowledge. You need to read and absorb as much as you possibly can. If your not reading about technology and how to capitalize on it, then your way behind your competition. Read industry blogs on marketing processes, innovation, and news. You have to absorb everything you can get your hands on. Never stop doing this.
2. Take risks. You need to innovate in everything you do. What does that mean? Look at your customer and find better ways to reach them. Learn to analyze their behaviors. Be prepared to change everything and don't get upset of you make mistakes, because you will. There is an 80% chance you will fail the first time. That's how we learn. Strategize - Plan - Execute - Analyze - Repeat
3. Develop your People! Make sure you keep your organization as lean as possible. Don't hire until you are confident you can devote the time required to develop them. Remember, hire someone who has the potential to be better than you. If potential candidates come in the door and they don't have some sort of record showing they have achieved something in life, they don't deserve to work for you.