Along with careers in the military and business, Mike co-authored the best-selling book, The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent, and enjoys a partnership with Men’s Journal as a columnist and host of The Everyday Warrior series and podcast.

In this inspiring episode, Mike Sarraille recounts his incredible journey from a young boy who grew up reading books about Vietnam and watching Hollywood to becoming a Navy SEAL and later navigating the business world as CEO of the Talent War Group. Sarraille discusses the lessons he learned about overcoming adversity, the importance of suffering and accountability, and how these lessons can be applied to everyday life and business leadership.

The episode also explores Sarraille’s approach to failure, the concept of the ‘Everyday Warrior,’ and practical advice for becoming better versions of ourselves. Additionally, Sarraille stresses the significance of training, both in the military and the business realm, to prepare for high-pressure situations and achieve greatness. Mike’s insights offer valuable lessons on personal growth, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Mike Sarraille Episode Highlights

The Beginning of Mike’s Journey: The journey for Mike Sarraille started in the Bay Area, where his childhood books and Hollywood’s glorification of the Vietnam War sparked his fascination with the military. He noted, “Much like with football, young men ask, ‘do I have what it takes?’ I asked myself the same question related to service. I wanted to know if I had the potential to serve alongside these heroes.” Throughout his journey, Mike faced numerous challenges. Nonetheless, his unwavering determination kept him strong.

Reflections on Effective Leadership: Reflecting on his journey, Mike expressed that leadership should be grounded in love. Notably, he stated, “I led through love, but it’s love rooted in accountability. The highest form of compassion or love is accountability.” Mike emphasized the importance of self-accountability, sharing how it was a significant aspect of SEAL team culture. “We turned accountability across the culture into self-accountability,” he noted. “We would be vulnerable and say, ‘Hey guys, before I get called out on it, I made this mistake…’.”

Striking a Balance between Love and Accountability: When we discussed how to balance love and accountability in leadership, Mike touched on the necessity of understanding the gravity of leading people. “You have to realize the gravity of leading people. If you can’t love your people and pour into them, then you’re going to have a real rough go,” he admitted. Mike added that top performers were never satisfied and were always in pursuit of excellence. The best leaders in sports and the military are constantly looking for the most effective ways to influence their teams, and they always strive to strike a balance between displaying love and maintaining a high level of accountability.

Training for Success: Mike shares that becoming a Navy SEAL was an arduous process. He emphasizes how leaders in these teams pour into their members, desiring to develop them into better versions of themselves while catalyzing their growth. Commenting on this strategy’s effectiveness, Mike added, “If your people are so prepared and so well trained, no matter what situation or contingency they run into, they will overcome as one team.” Mike highlighted that in the business world, one of the first things many organizations cut when facing budget constraints is training, which is a huge mistake that will backfire.

The Everyday Warrior: The core essence and DNA of Mike Sarraille and his entire brand are based on adopting the mindset of an everyday warrior. In essence, being an ‘Everyday Warrior’ entails constantly striving for excellence and balancing professional and personal life. The SEALs’ motto, ‘the only easy day was yesterday’ stands out. It beautifully illustrates the constant challenge of being better today than we were yesterday, which is a cornerstone of the Everyday Warrior Mindset.

Show Notes

00:00 – Guest Introduction: Mike Sarraille

1:10 – Mike Sarraille’s Journey: From Childhood to Military

4:16 – Mike’s Transition from Marine Corps to Navy SEAL

5:02 – Mike’s Post-Military Life and Business Ventures

8:50 – The Importance of Leadership and Accountability

12:31 – The Role of Love in Leadership

18:12 – Mike’s Reflections on Legacy and Impact

20:47 – The Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Business

29:57 – The Power of Reflection and Introspection

30:43 – The Pursuit of Excellence

31:42 – Leadership in High-Pressure Situations

32:29 – The Power of Experience and Decision Making

33:57 – The Importance of Adaptability and Flexibility

35:52 – The Journey to Becoming a SEAL

36:12 – The Power of Shared Adversity

39:50 – The Role of Training

47:14 – The Everyday Warrior Mindset

49:23 – The Power of Failure and Growth

52:45 – Becoming an Everyday Warrior

Connect with Mike Sarraille

Website

The Everyday Warrior

Talent War Group

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry

Embark on a transformative journey with Wall Street Journal bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

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Coined by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer in the early 1990s, emotional intelligence refers to our capacity to identify, comprehend, and manage emotions while recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. It encompasses a range of abilities, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills – all integral to successful leadership.

An astute understanding and adept handling of emotions are paramount to unlocking our full potential. A comprehensive study involving over a million people revealed that 90% of top performers exhibit high emotional intelligence, underscoring the link between emotional intelligence and effective leadership.

Why is this link so strong? Because leadership is no longer bound to a hierarchical model centered solely on authority and technical expertise. The traditional command-and-control approach has given way to a more collaborative and emotionally intuitive leadership style. Embracing this overarching change creates a more inclusive work environment that fosters innovation, inspires creativity, and promotes productivity.

Emotional Intelligence for Effective Leadership

This article explores how each of the five skills associated with emotional intelligence impacts leadership and why leaders who nurture them are more likely to inspire, connect, and empower their teams.

1. Self-Awareness

At the core of emotional intelligence lies self-awareness, the cornerstone of effective leadership. In this context, self-aware leaders can identify and label their emotions while accurately gauging how these developing feelings will impact themselves and others. This introspectiveness allows them to navigate challenges with resilience and authenticity. It empowers them to leverage their strengths, address their shortcomings, and create a culture of continuous self-improvement, accountability, and transparency that permeates the entire organization. In contrast to being swept away by changing emotional tides, self-aware leaders provide a clear sense of direction and consistency.

2. Self-Regulation

Self-regulation encompasses the skill of effectively managing emotions. It involves handling emotional stress, maintaining composure in times of crisis, and exercising control over impulses, enabling leaders to strike a balance between immediate needs and long-term objectives. Leaders who demonstrate self-regulation prevent their emotions from clouding their judgment and take the time to process their feelings before acting. Such leaders inspire team confidence and cultivate an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their ideas and taking calculated risks. In essence, self-regulation is the emotional rudder that enables leaders to navigate the turbulent, unpredictable waters of uncertainty with composure and clarity.

3. Motivation

Within emotional intelligence, motivation is the internal force that propels individuals toward their goals and objectives. Individuals with high emotional intelligence are not solely driven by external rewards, such as wealth or prestige, but are fueled by intrinsic factors like personal development, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Their unwavering passion and dedication are often the emotional catalysts that spark collaboration and ignite shared vision – the building blocks of excellence. These leaders don’t just aim to fulfill their ambitions but also strive to align themselves with team and organizational objectives.

4. Empathy

Empathy is the hallmark of emotional intelligence because it allows leaders to establish profound connections with their teams. Leaders who empathize with their employees’ experiences, challenges, and emotions cultivate trust, loyalty, and dedication. By working to understand the needs and concerns of their team members, emotionally intelligent leaders can tailor their approach to provide essential support, guidance, and motivation. When leaders act out of genuine compassion, their selflessness reverberates throughout an organization and becomes the impetus for inclusivity and mutual respect.

5. Social Skills

Social skills encapsulate a leader’s aptitude for establishing and sustaining positive relationships within their sphere of influence. This requires clear communication and the ability to resolve conflicts, influence others, and promote collaboration. Leaders with strong social skills can weave diverse personalities into a cohesive, high-performing team, leveraging collective strength to accomplish shared objectives. It allows leaders to use the intricacies of social interaction to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with grace and empathy. When employed in a leadership style that embraces the tenants of emotional intelligence, it creates a positive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels heard, understood, and valued.

Emotional Intelligence Drives Exceptional Leadership

In an era where algorithms often eclipse the warmth of human connection, we must prevent emotions from fading into the background. This is easier to do when we understand that emotional intelligence is the lifeblood pulsating through the veins of thriving organizations.

Since its inception, emotional intelligence has slowly emerged as a defining trait of exceptional leadership. In 2020, the World Economic Forum acknowledged this by adding emotional intelligence to its list of the ten most important workplace skills contributing to success.

While some naturally possess higher levels, it’s an acquired skill that can be practiced and polished. Leaders can develop it by focusing on introspective growth, including mindfulness, active listening, and embracing varying perspectives. Those who do are the torchbearers of our collective future, embodying leadership in its most authentic form. As we navigate the increasing complexities of this digital society, let us recognize the transformative power of emotional intelligence and strive to cultivate it within our own leadership and our organizations.

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