SWAT-Level Leadership for Everyday Teams
Leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to think, speak, act, and grow. Where they know the direction they’re headed in, and feel empowered to help drive the mission forward.
Whether you're leading a SWAT team or a business team, the principles are the same. You need vision to guide the way. You need passion to breathe life into that vision. And you need to give your people permission to step into their full potential.
That simple formula: Vision + Passion + Permission has shaped many leadership decisions I’ve made since a very specific moment in my career.
Let me explain.
Vision Isn’t Optional - It’s Mandatory
Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” That’s not just a poetic metaphor - it’s leadership reality. When your team doesn’t know where you’re going or why it matters, you won’t just lose momentum… you’ll lose people. A clear, compelling vision is what keeps everyone aligned, focused, and bought in - especially when the pressure is on.
But vision alone isn’t enough. A dream without passion is just a wish. Passion is the fuel that keeps the wheels turning when things get difficult. It’s what energizes the vision and makes it contagious. If your vision doesn’t light a fire in you, it’s not going to light one in anyone else.
Why Permission Matters More Than You Think
Here’s the part most leaders miss: vision and passion don’t thrive in isolation. You have to give your team permission - to take risks, to speak up, and to take ownership of the mission. Giving permission doesn’t mean losing control. It means leading in a way that says, “I believe in you. I trust you. Your voice matters here.”
I learned just how powerful that kind of permission can be in the preparation of a high-risk SWAT mission. One that could’ve easily ended in tragedy. We had a warrant to serve on a known armed and violent drug dealer. This wasn’t a guy to take lightly - long rap sheet, aggressive history with multiple convictions, and no hesitation when it came to confrontation.
Three members of my team had been to his house before within the last several months. During our pre-mission briefing, we agreed the front door was the best point of entry. We went over every detail: positions, roles, approach, tools, timing, cover. Standard operating procedure.
Then R.H. showed up… He had been there only 2 weeks prior. It was rare to have such relevant information.
R.H. was brand new. Just certified for entry. The kind of guy still finding his footing - the one who might’ve felt too green to question the plan. But I had established something critical on my team. Everyone has permission to speak if they know I do not have complete or accurate information. It is part of my Leadership Philosophy.
R.H. raised his hand. Quietly, but confidently after realizing there was an issue in the briefing.
He let us know that during his recent visit to that home, the suspect had moved a massive dresser to block the front door. That obstacle would have slowed our entry; slowed it just long enough for the suspect (who keeps a gun within arm’s reach) to react and fire at the entry team.
Because R.H. spoke up, we completely reworked our entry plan. We changed the route, shifted positions, and entered through the back. We caught the suspect off guard and completely by surprise. No resistance. No injuries. No casualties. R.H.'s voice changed everything - because he had permission to use it. Lives were saved that day.
Vision Alignment Starts with Culture
Here’s what most people miss about giving permission: it only works when it's tethered to a shared vision. In my team, vision alignment wasn’t something we talked about once during onboarding and never mentioned again. It was a drumbeat. Reinforced during every mission brief, training session, and strategy huddle. Everyone knew what we were working toward - and more importantly, why.
Without that alignment, giving permission turns into chaos. But when your team knows the mission and buys into the vision, their ideas become fuel, not friction.
Servant Leadership Isn’t Soft - It’s Strategic
Some people hear “servant leadership” and picture something weak or passive. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Servant leadership is about equipping your team to be great - not just telling them what to do. It means giving them the clarity, confidence, and culture to rise to the occasion.
My job as a leader wasn’t to micromanage every move. It was to lead with purpose, passion, and permission - and then trust my team to carry it out. Psalm 78:72 puts it beautifully: “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” That’s the bar. Lead with integrity. Lead with skill. And lead with vision that’s big enough for others to step into.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
You may not wear tactical gear or kick down doors, but if you’re building a business, leading a team, or stepping into entrepreneurship, you’re facing high-stakes moments of your own - every single day. Your clients, your staff, your vision all rely on your ability to lead with clarity, energy, and trust. Vision gives your business direction. Passion fuels the journey. And permission creates a culture where people don’t just do what they’re told - they take ownership, they innovate, and they lead alongside you.
This is the kind of leadership that moves companies forward. It’s not just about structure or execution - it’s about creating a movement. When you lead with vision, passion, and permission, you don’t just manage a team. You build a mission-driven culture with momentum, trust, and the kind of leadership people want to follow.
Want More? Take the Next Step Toward Influential Leadership
Being a passionate visionary is only one of the 7 Pillars of Influential Leadership. If this resonated with you, you’re going to love what’s coming next. In May, I’m launching a brand-new course called the 5 M’s for Entrepreneurs: The Freedom Path, where we’ll break down the five essential pillars every business owner needs to grow with purpose: Mindset, Materials, Methodology, Mentorship, and Measured Growth.
When you enroll, you’ll get the full 7 Pillars of Influential Leadership eBook absolutely free as a bonus. It’s everything you need to strengthen your foundation and lead with impact.
