How the Intricacies of Military and Politics Influenced My Entrepreneurial Journey

Back in Israel, way before I started my company, I had the chance to serve under the Israel Defense Forces. During my time there, I found one man to be particularly fascinating, Ehud Barak.

As a controversial leader and diplomat, Barak’s leadership style and communication skills left a lasting impression on me. But beyond his individual qualities, my time in the military also exposed me to the intricacies of politics, which have had a significant influence on my entrepreneurial journey.

There’s a lot involved in diplomacy (more on this later), but what’s clear to me is that business and politics aren’t very different from each other. In a bigger and safer country like the U.S., Barak could possibly end up as a successful entrepreneur like Bill Gates or Elon Musk, but in a small Western country that exhibits might through military prowess, it makes sense for him to make a mark in history.

Here are some of the valuable insights into doing business I learned during my years in the IDF.

Focus on the why of your business

One can argue that Barak’s decisions represent the failure of Israel’s land-for-peace strategy, with him portrayed as a reckless figure costing thousands of lives. But at the same time, they can also be viewed as strengthening Israel’s position, with him seen as a visionary who saved and turned the land into a prosperous state. Regardless of how the public perceives him, he obviously had his reasons, which I like to believe have been greatly influenced by his own why.

During his time in politics, he played a significant role in negotiations with the Palestinians and was instrumental in the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon in 2000. He also played a key role in Israel’s military operations, including leading the rescue of hostages from a hijacked airplane in 1972 and serving as chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces.

When it comes to doing business, there’s a line that separates your why from the political speak, the definitive manner in which things operate. Unlike politics, which leads people to tiptoe around issues and use ambiguous language to avoid offending others, business is more straightforward. There should be clear objectives, timelines, and expectations that explain what your short-term and long-term goals are.

Anticipate risks and threats, and pay attention to detail

Israel and her neighbors have been at constant war with each other, cautiously observing their counterparts’ actions. Diplomacy is a complex relationship between nations. Its essence mainly lies in finding common ground and resolving conflicts through peaceful means, rather than resorting to force or coercion.

Could this explain all the beating around the bush and the hesitation involved in diplomacy? Yes, because as history has shown, it’s much easier for warring countries to bomb each other and get it done faster, right? Well, diplomacy is like taking the long but better and more human route, forcing leaders to pay attention to the smallest detail that could possibly present risks and threats to their subjects.

Diplomacy in business also focuses on negotiating deals, building relationships, and resolving disputes to achieve specific business goals, but by securing contracts, expanding into new markets, or increasing profits. And in all of these cases, leaders should anticipate risks and threats and create standard operating procedures based on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analyses.

Master concise communication and deliver your message creatively

Men on the ground are not a fan of small talk. This is because communications can often mean the difference between success and failure in the military.

In Israel, where the military plays a significant role in society, concise communication is especially crucial. Soldiers are trained to deliver their message clearly and effectively, especially in high-pressure situations.

When it comes to doing business, concise communication means being able to adapt to different audiences and situations. Business leaders must be able to distill complex information into a few key points, depending on who they are speaking to. They must also be able to think creatively and find alternative ways to deliver their message when traditional methods are unavailable or compromised.

Carry yourself like a national leader

In the military, officers and soldiers alike are expected to carry themselves with a certain level of dignity and professionalism, representing not just themselves but also their country. Similarly, as a business leader, you represent not just yourself and your company, but also your industry and community.

National leaders like Barak are held to a higher standard, with their actions and words scrutinized by the public and the media. Business leaders must also be mindful of their public image, as it can greatly affect their company’s reputation and success.

It’s essential to project confidence and competence in your dealings with stakeholders, be they customers, investors, or partners. This means being well-informed about your industry, keeping up with trends and innovations, and constantly learning and growing as a leader.

Establish yourself as a center of influence in your industry

Ehud Barak’s leadership style exemplifies the importance of establishing oneself as a center of influence in their respective industry. Barak’s years of military experience and political savvy made him a prominent figure in Israel’s diplomatic and military spheres, a well-respected and influential leader.

Similarly, in the business world, it’s essential to establish oneself as a center of influence by demonstrating expertise in the industry and developing a reputation for being a thought leader. This involves creating valuable content, participating in industry events and conferences, and building relationships with key players in the field.

By becoming a center of influence, you can position yourself and your company as leaders in your industry, helping you to attract new clients, investors, and partners. Just as Barak’s influence helped shape the future of Israel, your influence in your industry can help shape the future of your business.

Takeaway

The world is a playground for individuals with formidable personalities who rise above the rest. Commanders, prime ministers, presidents, CEOs, generals, and other leaders have a unique set of skills that set them apart. Their approach to communication, decision-making, and engaging others can sometimes be misconstrued because of differences in experiences and motivations. Aspiring leaders must learn how to navigate the complexities of communication in settings like politics and business to unlock their potential and succeed in the business world.