As an officer in the Air Force, I was introduced to a concept that resonated deeply with me: Situational Awareness (SA). SA isn't just about being aware of what's directly in front of you; it's about perceiving, understanding, and effectively responding to the entirety of your surroundings. It's the ability to read a room, see the big picture, and operate with discernment.
During my Basic Cadet Training (BCT) at the United States Air Force Academy, I underwent SERE School—Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape. In this intense program, we were trained to survive as isolated personnel in combat environments. One exercise, in particular, left a lasting impression: being handed a tablet with seemingly pro-American messages, only to find out there were conflicting messages on the back, capturing our reactions on camera. It was a stark reminder of how easily perceptions can be manipulated.
Recently, at a magic show in Paradise, PA, I was called on stage to participate in a mind-reading trick. While my attention was focused on the magician and the audience, unseen assistants behind me orchestrated the illusion. It brought back memories of SERE, highlighting the importance of maintaining situational awareness even in seemingly benign situations.
In leadership, we often emphasize the power of focus. However, as my experiences have taught me, too much focus can blind us to the subtle cues and manipulations happening around us. In my book, SPARK: The Five Essentials To Ignite the Greatness Within, I emphasize the importance of singularity—having clear goals and unwavering focus. But alongside singularity, we must cultivate situational awareness to ensure we aren't being led astray or manipulated without our knowledge.
So, as leaders, let's keep our eyes open and our heads on a swivel. Let's embrace the power of situational awareness to navigate the complexities of leadership effectively. After all, true leadership isn't just about what's directly in front of us—it's about understanding the entire landscape and making informed decisions accordingly.
5 comments
Robert Johnston
Is SA the same as “living in the moment?” or is it a part of it?
Bob Price
Excellent information in helping me to be more aware of my surroundings, especially in reading a room. If your focus is too much on yourself and not enough on others, you will absolutely miss important clues to guide your speaking.
Gary Jenner
Very well put Tracey and such an important concept. When my son played hockey as a defenceman he was taught to always “play like your head is on a swivel”. He learned early on how important it is to know what is going on around you at all times.
Marcia Sinkovitz
Only with the direction of the Spirit can a leader “read” and “understand” the entire landscape! Excellent topic on SA.
Bob Burg
WOW! What a powerful post with wisdom we can all apply and from which we can greatly benefit! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Dr. “Tremendous” Tracey!