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BAMCIS is probably the most well-known acronym in the Marine Corps. It is used to describe the six troop leading steps. Steps that have great application to developing products and services:

Begin the Planning
Arrange for Reconnaissance
Make Reconnaissance
Complete the Planning
Issue the Order
Supervise

Here is what this looks like in the real world. First, we either have or accept an idea for a new product or manifesation, and we begin to ideate around the many ways we might execute it. But alas, we realize we will be taking on imbalanced risk unless we seek a greater understanding of the clients we are aiming to serve and the problems we are trying to solve. So what do we do? We develop a list of research objectives and methods for obtaining the information we need – and those methods (in the Marine Corps and elsewhere) can take many different forms. Next, we go and execute our research plan. Arranging for and Making Reconnaissance is where the real magic happens. When research is done using appropriate methods and with honest intent, we can significantly reduce risk by confirming hypotheses and by knocking out uncertainties. I love developing and executing research! The observations and insights we gather from the reconnaissance process are used to inform the majority of the product development process and to ensure we develop products that exceed client expectations and deliver value. My experience includes working in a huge cross-functional organization where different teams and individuals have different objectives – objectives that often don’t mesh well with each other. To properly issue the order is to effectively communicate the vision and to align all contributors around the same objective – which often requires give and take. There is a common saying in the Marine Corps that no plan survives first contact. Consistent monitoring and supervision is required to keep the team motivated and focused on delivering client-oriented solutions, especially when there is a need for making tough choices.

Many of the experiences I had and lessons I learned in the Corps have found a nice home in other areas of my life. BAMCIS is definitely one of them. While struggling on a hike, climbing up a hill, and experiencing the onset of tunnel vision due to lack of oxygen to the brain, it wasn't the promise of additional money at the finish line that motivated me to overcome the challenge. Instead, what truly propelled me forward was the realization that my effort wasn't solely for my own benefit (The slinky of death) but also for the sake of others, in that moment. The prospect of a reward alone didn't sustain me, but rather, it was the determination to strive for a purpose greater than myself, with the invaluable support of those who stood by me along the way. In that moment, what I needed wasn't something in the distant future; rather, it was the presence of a helping hand to lift me up (even only a little) to remind me of the true mission's significance. Not for some gain at the end, but for the need in the moment, which led to, the gain in the end."

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

#manifestation #careerstrategy #mindset #military #selfimprovement #selfhelp #motivation