Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
Since the days of the first James Bond movie, the life-and-death game of international espionage will all the time be exciting. Covert operations in high-risk environments conducted by intelligence services definitely make a incredible theme for novels, movies, and TV shows. But the reality of intelligence work is removed from what’s portrayed in the movies. It’s a deliberate and methodical process-driven occupation where the entire team have to be precise and perfectly coordinated. The slightest error could compromise the mission and run the risk of losing lives.
That said, it shouldn’t be surprising that the leadership skills of intelligence professionals are continually being redefined and studied. Whether you’re a business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, you may learn some key lessons from these professionals that can make you a wiser leader. I had the opportunity to interview considered one of these leaders, and that is what I learned.
Marc Polymeropoulos is considered one of the CIA’s most decorated senior intelligence professionals — he even wrote a book about his time there. Marc spent 26 years working in the world’s most dangerous places and leading covert operations. His tried-and-true leadership techniques even have broad applications beyond the world of the CIA. Two of his approaches stuck with me, not only for his or her operational utility but in addition for the catchy nicknames: respecting the process monkey and honoring the glue guy.
(*2*)