19 Leadership Quotes And Lessons From 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

There are some blog posts you write humbly and with a deep sense of respect and gratitude because it is about real people and the high price they paid.  This is one such post.
Tonight, I sat in a movie theater awestruck as I watched 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.  This movie chronicles the tragic events of the planned September 11th, 2012 attack by Libyan Islamic militants on an American diplomatic outpost resulting in the death of  Ambassador Christopher Stevens and others.  This was followed up by additional attacks on a CIA outpost located one mile away.  Directed by Michael Bay, the film is based on the 2013 book 13 Hours by Mitchell Zuckoff and tells the story of the heroic efforts of six military contractors to stave off the attack.
This movie is RIVETING.  GUT-WRENCHING.  EDGE OF YOUR SEAT.  WHITE KNUCKLED.  INSPIRING.  Pick whichever words or phrase you want.  But every American should see this movie and be reminded of the price needed for freedom.
The following are 19 Leadership Quotes And Then Lessons From 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi:

1. “We don’t have any support.” – Those in Benghazi had no ground or air support despite constant requests, both in advance and the day of the attacks.  Our government did not even try.  Leaders must support those on their teams.
2. “You’re hired help.  Act like it.” – The CIA compound director made this degrading comment to military contractor Kris “Tanto” Paronto.  Leaders must respect those on their teams and the skills they bring.
3. “Uncle Sam’s on a budget.  Normal security measures don’t apply.” – The outpost the ambassador was staying in lacked basic security measures.  Leaders must resource those on their teams and position them for success.
4. “A dozen years of military experience between them.  Max.” – Contractor and former SEAL Jack Silva made this assessment of the ambassador’s personal security.  Experience matters.
5. The ambassador’s compound gates were not guarded on the outside at all.  Leaders must recognize the potential dangers affecting their organizations and then take the needed precautions necessary to protect their people.
6. “You’re not the first responders.  You’re the last resort.” – Another comment from the CIA director.  Great decisions are mostly made from the field, rarely from an office.  Leaders, trust those who have their feet on the ground or the ones actually interacting with customers.
7. “None of you have to go but we’re the only hope they have.” – These are the words of Tyrone “Rone” Woods, the head of the military contracting team.  Leaders are dealers of hope.
8. Leaders are about movement.  Bureaucracy prevents leaders from effectively doing their jobs.
9. Training Matters – As an American, the training and skill of our brave men and women serving in the armed services should give all of us a sense of security.  Because of these individuals, we get to live the lives we all enjoy as Americans.  Leaders, you must be trained and then trust your training.
10. “I need your eyes and ears.  Not your mouth.” – This was spoken by Mark “Oz” Geist to a CIA operative.  There are times when talk is not only cheap, it is counter-productive.  Leaders must have the self-awareness to know when to remain silent and be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
11. “It’s gone from a rescue mission to a suicide mission.” – Rone Woods put into words what all great leaders know.  Leaders must be willing to make hard decisions and pay a higher price than others are willing to pay.
12. “Just another Tuesday night in Benghazi.” – There was a scene when the military were running through the streets, gunfire in the background, and people were calmly sitting down watching sporting events.  The definition of dysfunction is when people, families or even nations are more comfortable in chaos and conflict than peace and love.
13. “You should’ve turned left.” – During the initial rescue, one of the exiting cars ignored the directions needed to drive away safely and suffered the consequences.  Smart leaders are not only in authority but also under authority.
14. You Need To Be Calm During Chaos And Conflict – The level of calmness from the military contractors during the numerous gunfights goes beyond description.  Great leaders are calm and have quiet minds during times of chaos and conflict.
15. Precision Matters – Because the contractors remained calm during the gunfight, they were able to operate with peak efficiency.  Being precise allows you to conserve energy and resources.  Being precise also gives you the margin to restore energy and rebuild resources.
16. “Warriors are trained to retire.” – Rone Woods.  Leaders need an exit strategy.
17. “I walked into this country.  I’m walking out.” – These are the final words of Geist whose arm was basically blown off.  There are an epidemic of quitters in this world.  People who quit their families.  Walk away from responsibilities.  Don’t press into issues.  Are no longer willing to pay the price.  Are no longer willing to “man up”.  Great leaders do not quit.  They are resilient and pay the price needed to get the job done and make it home safely.
18. “I don’t know how you survived.  But I know how we did.” – The members of the CIA survived because of the training, skill and bravery of six military contractors.  Our lives are made better each day because of great leaders.  And our lives are better because of our military.  The words “Thank You” seem so insufficient.
19. Family Matters – At the end of your life, all that will matter is your relationship with God and family.  The movie had several poignant moments of the contractors reflecting on God and the their wives and children.  I am convinced at the end of my life that is all I will be thinking about as well.

Once again, this is an AMAZING film.  You will be left speechless and with a profound sense of respect and gratefulness for our brave men and women serving throughout the globe.
Disclaimer – this is a Christian site so be aware there is significant violence and language.

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