I hear it all the time from business associates, colleagues, and mentors who ask me how I stay so calm when things start getting tense. My answer is always the same: "I face killers in training so an angry suit is nothing." And while my sarcastic tone might dilute the sincerity of that statement, I actually feel very adamant that my martial arts training has improved my effectiveness as a business professional.
As a graduate student of entrepreneurship one of the regular themes explored in classroom discussion is evaluation of one's capacity for the rigors of entrepreneurship. We're constantly exploring our capacity to navigate stress, evaluate challenge, shoulder responsibility, and make quick decisions. In business, like in fighting, the difference between success and death can be 1/2" or 1/2 a second. Being able to stay calm and focused when the fists are flying will not only keep you strong in the cage, but strong in the office as well.
Throughout my professional career I've had the good fortune to work for/with several martial artists who owned companies in various industries. As compared to those bosses I've had who did not have a martial arts background, I've observed some distinct differences in their managerial styles. There are, of course, exceptions to every rule, but generally speaking I've found the following personalities in those bosses who did not have martial arts backgrounds and did not find it in those who did:
1. The "micro-manager" - While control freaks come in many shapes, sizes, and colors (and the martial arts industry is not immune to them) I have noticed that the business leaders most comfortable with letting go of control are the black belts. Perhaps because they're comfortable being teachers. Perhaps because they're confident they can handle any problems that arise. Or perhaps because they understand what's truly important in life. Whatever the reason, I've noticed that the bosses who were best at instilling confidence by not hovering/manipulating were those with martial arts backgrounds.
2. The "yeller" - Simply put, he's the jerk who yells and screams about everything. Perhaps because he's not sure he's being heard or, more likely, he thinks he needs to instill fear in order to lead. He's a coward because he's never developed that part of his ego. Martial arts builds that kind of internal strength and I've never had a martial artist for a boss who raised his voice in anger. In fact, they were almost unwaveringly calm, even toned, and assertive.
3. The "passive-aggressive wimp" - He hides behind others, blaming them, circumventing them, always plotting how to take credit for their accomplishments while secretly envying them. It's sad to see it in any situation, but in business it can be catastrophic. Trust me, I lost a job to a passive-aggressive wimp of a boss who fired me and then took credit for months of work I developed on my own. What I've found is that martial artists and soldiers, people who face combat, are not afraid of confrontation and can take it head-on. And because they're able to handle confrontation, they're able to both manage and avoid it, which reduces even the biggest conflict to but a simple moment in time. To the passive-aggressive wimp, every moment of conflict is monumental and his reaction is just plain out of balance. He seeks vengeance and plots destruction for even the smallest of offenses. He's ridiculous. He's scared. He needs martial arts in his life.
Coming up through a traditional martial arts system and then having spent 11 years teaching that system I was fortunate to devote a great portion of my life to learning from respected martial arts masters. The calm assertiveness, skillful mentorship, and ability to lead through respect those masters showed me are skills I learned to show my students and continue to apply professionally toward my interactions with colleagues, employees, and interns.
You're welcome to leave your comments and share your observations and experiences in the workplace.
(Dan Greene is a former Tae Kwon Do instructor turned combat sports industry writer, entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and brand development expert. He can be reached via Email at slaintedan@gmail.com)
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