Let us be very clear: business ventures and military operations are, quite obviously, completely different endeavors. Yet it’s also true that in terms of planning, careful adherence to rules, and managing large teams, there can be something to learn from both sides. By understanding these principles, you can learn anything about business.
While you’re unlikely to have a drill instructor marching down your office aisle in the morning (and thank goodness for that), it’s fair to say that both ventures can teach us.
Now, we’re going to avoid applying the actual purpose of a military – armed conflict and force projection – to any half-baked metaphor about competition and victory. That would be somewhat distasteful, to say the least, to learn business tactics.
But in terms of organizational priorities and planning, there may be some tips that could help. So let’s explore those lessons below, together as we learn anything about business from the military:
Table of Contents
Key Insights: Learn Anything About Business from Military Tactics
Psychometric Testing & Candidate Vetting
Military organizations invest considerable effort in screening recruits, not only for physical ability but also for temperament, decision-making skills, and mental resilience. You don’t need to have your applicants run an assault course, nor require that whole level of rigor, but there is something to learn here.
For example, psychometric tests can provide valuable insight into how candidates think, communicate, and respond under pressure. This is particularly useful for leadership positions where personality shapes the broader culture.
While no test should be the sole deciding factor, combining interviews, references, and psychometric results gives a rounded picture of a candidate’s strengths. That thorough approach makes future planning far more reliable.
Very Clear Objectives & Role Structures
Large teams need structure; otherwise, big projects can break down into confusion. We see that this is taken extremely seriously in the military, as units thrive because each role is defined and tied to an objective that supports the broader mission.
Businesses can adopt this mindset by ensuring that staff understand not only their responsibilities but also how those responsibilities relate to the larger goals. Without this clarity and continual briefing and updates, you’ll find your people working in silos, and momentum will slowly dissolve.
A transparent structure, not necessarily like the rank structure in the military, but with clearly defined roles and hierarchy, should also help leaders measure progress, weaknesses, and keep everyone on the same page.
It’s a sound system that you may not learn in business school.
An Encouraged Sense Of Pride & Values
Military culture often strives to foster shared values, traditions, and a sense of pride in belonging to something larger than the individual. Businesses can learn from this by naturally developing a sense of meaning in everyday work.
Your employees don’t have to salute anything, but giving them reasons to like your business isn’t a bad idea. After all, people are far more engaged when they feel connected to values that are more textured than profit margins, and the most common are innovation, community impact, or creative excellence.
You can bet that the people working at Disney Pixar have massive pride in what they do, for instance, thanks to the heritage and calibre they boast.
Just remember that pride doesn’t emerge from slogans pinned on a wall; it develops from leaders demonstrating those values and earning the trust of their teams.
Conclusion: Learn Anything About Business From Military Experiences
Military experience teaches valuable lessons that extend beyond the battlefield. In business, discipline, strong communication, and clear goals keep teams on track.
Leaders rely on adaptability and the ability to make quick, informed decisions. These habits, developed under pressure, support strong performance and build trust in business settings.
Small-business owners who use these same values can respond to change, stay organized, and lead by example. The military’s practical approach serves as a strong guide for anyone seeking to establish a steady and successful business.
With this advice, we hope you can learn anything about business from military tactics that are relevant to your business, as you deem appropriate. That is, without the conflict part, of course.