Alok Chanani, a former U.S. Army captain, is the cofounder and CEO of BuildOps.
In 2006, while I was stationed at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, incoming mortar attacks became a part of daily life. The first time an explosion hit, it brought with it intense shock, fear and chaos. But as the attacks continued, something remarkable happened: We adapted. Our training kicked in, and our shared mission became our anchor.
I realized then that a unified mission isn’t just a motivational phrase; it’s a lifeline. Years later, as the CEO of BuildOps, I’ve found that the principles of mission-driven leadership apply just as powerfully in business as they did on the battlefield.
When I transitioned to the civilian world and eventually founded BuildOps, a software platform for commercial contractors, I was struck by the parallels between military leadership and effective business management. The trades industry, much like the military, relies on teamwork, precision and a clear sense of purpose.
Here are some of the best strategies to embed mission-driven leadership into your organization.
Making Tough Decisions Aligned With Values
Early in BuildOps’ journey, we faced a dilemma. We had the opportunity to bring on a top-performing salesperson—a “lone wolf” known for closing deals but also for not being a team player. On paper, hiring him seemed like a shortcut to achieving our immediate sales goals. However, we knew that his approach clashed with our core value of “having each other’s back,” a principle rooted in my military experience of leaving no one behind.
These types of decisions are difficult but can be pivotal for reinforcing your company’s commitment to building a cohesive team over pursuing short-term gains. They will resonate throughout the company, strengthening your culture and setting a precedent for future hires.
Embedding Values And Mindsets Into The Culture
Values aren’t just buzzwords; they’re actionable principles that guide daily operations. For instance, “act like an owner” isn’t a suggestion—it’s an expectation. Business leaders should encourage every team member to take ownership of their work, make decisions and contribute ideas.
Emphasizing mindsets like being direct yet optimistic is also crucial. This means fostering an environment where team members can candidly challenge ideas—including the CEOs—as long as it’s in pursuit of the best outcome. This open dialogue will lead to innovative solutions and a stronger, more resilient team.
Similarly, while planning is important, execution is paramount. Recently, one of our senior leaders pointed out that we were losing momentum in this area. Her feedback prompted immediate action to reinvigorate this mindset across the organization.
Cultivating Resilience Through Shared Experiences
Resilience is built through overcoming challenges together. During my military service, the trust and camaraderie formed in high-pressure situations were unparalleled.
In business, you can recreate this trust by encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and creating opportunities for team members to step outside their comfort zones. For example, during the development of our integrated project management feature, teams from engineering, product development and customer success worked closely, often navigating uncharted territory.
The obstacles you face—and overcome—will strengthen your collective resolve and prove that, together, you can tackle ambitious projects.
Maintaining Mission Focus Amid Growth
As organizations scale, maintaining a mission-driven culture becomes increasingly challenging yet vital.
One of the best ways to reinforce your mission is by sharing customer stories that highlight the impact of your work. For example, knowing that a contractor used our platform to efficiently repair a hospital’s HVAC system, ensuring surgeries could proceed safely, isn’t just a success story—it’s a testament to why we do what we do.
Internally, use recognition programs to celebrate employees who embody our values. Our “Hero of the Month” award isn’t just about performance metrics; it’s about acknowledging those who live our mission and inspire others to do the same.
Conclusion
Building a mission-driven culture is an ongoing journey that requires intentionality, especially as you navigate growth and change. By embedding purpose into every facet of your organization—from hiring decisions to daily operations—you create a resilient team capable of weathering any storm.
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