What can businesses learn from the Wild Boar rescue mission?

The whole world has been praying for the safe return of 13 members of the Wild Boar Soccer Team in Thailand. It is one of the most dangerous and difficult yet inspiring rescue mission the world has ever witness. It is a crisis that brings people together – all working tirelessly towards a common goal. It is test of courage, strength, persistency and great leadership. It is gripping story with an amazing ending. However, it is not merely luck that leads to this outcome but rather a result of several business tactics and leadership principles involved.

1) Synergy of Experts: The mission is successful because there are different types of experts working together- each understand their roles and responsibilities. All doing what they do best while supporting each other. The diversity helps to close the gaps in the mission even though they had to deal with a lot of unpredictable circumstances. There ae experienced cave divers, navy seal, bird nest climbers, sonar experts, engineers, survival specialists, doctors, soldiers, water pumping specialist, cooks and the list goes on. Similar to businesses, we cannot (and should not) do everything ourselves. If we want the best results for the clients, we need to involve experts. Nobody is perfect, but diversity make up a perfect team..

2) Find the best option after exploration: The mission is very difficult since it is the first. The team did not have enough information on the cave and its surrounding. Thus, they explored every possible way. Teams spread out to try to find the best option e.g. diving through the cave, exploring the top of the mountain, using drone to see if there are alternative way in, drilling the cave and climbing down airways. All missions are planned simultaneously to race against time and the coming rain. Finally, they decided on one of the most dangerous route to get the children out- diving. Who would have thought that it is possible for the children who cannot even swim to dive for more than 6 hours in extremely tight spaces? Well, it is possible. The important thing is that they keep on exploring until the best way is identified. Like in business, we often confront with problems for the first time. It is best to have exploratory mindset. Try all options, even the most bizarre and what seemed impossible ones. The business context is more difficult than ever. We should always be ready to explore new ways of doing things and the results may really surprise us.

3) Lead with assertiveness and empathy: The governor of Chiang Rai has shown extraordinary leadership. He is clear in his communication, fast in decision-making, careful in all details and considerate to all parties. He is the center of all decisions. The multi-national team needs to hear from him before taking any actions. As a results, all were working in unity. He also has the softer side in managing not only the mission itself but the emotions of all involved. Once the kids were found, he arrange for them to be able to communicate to their parents. This is to motivate them to be strong and ready for the extremely difficult tasks ahead. He is very careful not to let the media disturb the family in their most nerve-wracking moments. He did not reveal the identity of those who were rescued first in consideration of the families whose children were still trapped in the cave. Leaders in businesses may be about authority, management acumen or power as they need to lead the organization through crisis and changes. However, we should not forget that empathy is the fundamental of leadership. It is about the ability to understand and support others with compassion and sensitivity. Empathy can earn trust and trust brings success.

4) Purpose and passion: The rescue team are all different in race, gender, age and religion but they have one thing in common. They have a clear purpose. They are able to work together in a constructive way towards a shared goal. They work tirelessly and kept going until the mission is completed. There is an inspiring quote of John Volanthen, one of the divers “I dive for passion and always wondered if it would have purpose. Last two weeks was what I prepared for my entire life”. For businesses, purpose is more of what we do and not what we say. It is truly what we believe in and put all our efforts to achieve. We do it because of passion. It is the power that drives us forward. When we are clear of our purpose, profit and success will follow.

5) Optimism and Inner Strength: This incident created so many heroes- the children, the coach and the rescue team. They have the same qualities; optimism, calmness and courage. For children who were trapped in the dark, hungry and scared, they were incredibly calm and organized. They were in good spirits despite the terrible ordeal. As in businesses, there are times where the road ahead is dark. It is important to communicate positive messages and encourage people to look at the situation in a positive light. Optimism can change how people behave and thus the outcome of the organization. The rescue mission has reminded us how strong the human spirit is and how it can make a difference.

Crisis and businesses seem to be two things that are inseparable in the fast changing and unpredictable world. The recipe for successful rescue mission for businesses seem to be expertise, insights, great leadership, sense of purpose and heart of steel optimism.