Henry Russell, the CEO of SANTOS Holdings, stood on the balcony of his office, looking out over the bustling city below. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the skyline, and he felt a sense of pride in the company he had helped build. But today, he had a different kind of pride in mind—one rooted in experience and resilience. As a former Navy officer, Henry understood the importance of practical experience. He often recalled the rigorous training he underwent, where every lesson learned was designed to prepare him for the complexities of leadership. In the Navy, he learned that before one could command a ship, one had to master the basics: seamanship, navigation, and teamwork. “Before you become a general, you must be a good soldier,” he would often tell his team. With this philosophy in mind, Henry had implemented a new initiative at SANTOS Holdings, inspired by the values he learned in the Navy and the research he had read about family businesses. He believed that every employee—especially the younger generation—should gain practical experience outside of the office to fully understand the workings of the company and the industry.
That afternoon, Henry gathered his leadership team in the conference room. “I want to discuss a program that emphasizes practical experience for our younger employees,” he began. “Just as I learned in the Navy, understanding the lay of the land is crucial. We need to ensure that our next generation of leaders knows what work is really like, and that they have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them without jeopardizing our business.”
The room buzzed with energy as his team began brainstorming ideas. They discussed internships, cross-departmental projects, and even partnerships with local businesses to provide real-world experience. Henry encouraged his team to think creatively, drawing from their own experiences and challenges they had faced in their careers. As the discussion progressed, Sarah, the marketing manager, shared her thoughts. “I think we should also consider leadership training sessions where younger employees can shadow seasoned professionals within the company. They can build relationships and learn the ropes in a hands-on way.”
“Great idea, Sarah,” Henry replied, nodding in agreement. “It’s essential that they understand not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ behind our processes. This is how we build legitimacy and confidence in their abilities.”
That weekend, Henry decided to put his words into action. He organized a team-building retreat at a nearby training facility that offered outdoor survival skills and leadership exercises The retreat was designed not only to strengthen bonds within the team but also to immerse the younger employees in hands-on experiences that would challenge them physically and mentally, much like his Navy training had done.
On the day of the retreat, the sun shone brightly as the team gathered at the facility. Henry stood before them, a commanding presence, reminiscent of his days in uniform. “Welcome, everyone! Today is all about pushing your limits and learning to work together as a cohesive unit, just like we do in the office. Remember, the skills you learn here will help you navigate both the challenges of this retreat and the complexities of our business.”
The activities ranged from rope courses that tested their balance and agility to team-based problem-solving exercises that required strategic thinking and collaboration. As they navigated through the challenges, Henry observed the younger employees closely, noting their reactions and interactions.
During one particular exercise, the group was tasked with crossing a simulated river using only a few planks of wood. Tensions ran high as team members debated the best approach. Henry stepped in, recalling his own Navy training. “Sometimes, to get to the other side, you need to think outside the box. Trust your instincts, communicate openly, and support each other. Remember, a good leader knows when to take charge and when to listen.” With that encouragement, the team rallied together, brainstorming ideas and finally devising a plan that allowed them to successfully cross the river. Laughter erupted as they celebrated their victory, and Henry felt a sense of fulfillment watching them embrace the spirit of teamwork.
As the day progressed, the group participated in a survival skills workshop, learning the basics of navigation, shelter-building, and first aid. Henry shared stories from his Navy days, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and preparation. “In the Navy, you learn to read the weather and understand when to fight and when to withdraw. These skills apply not just in combat but in business as well. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to pivot and reassess,” he explained.
By the end of the day, as the sun set and the team gathered around a campfire, Henry invited everyone to share their reflections. The younger employees spoke about the lessons they had learned, the challenges they had faced, and the connections they had made.
“I’ve always thought of leadership as a title,” said Jenna, a recent graduate and new hire. “But today showed me that it’s about collaboration and trust. I feel more confident in my role now, knowing I can rely on my team.”