You might be curious about the connection between a “swim buddy” and leadership. At its most basic definition, a swim buddy is someone who swims alongside you, ensuring safety and offering encouragement. In broader terms, a swim buddy represents a person who supports you unconditionally, regardless of the situation. In the military, particularly among Navy SEALs, the swim buddy system is essential. It emphasizes safety, accountability, and motivation, especially during challenging times. Essentially, a swim buddy’s role is to keep you alive and moving forward.

Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in numerous military-themed books, gaining insights, picking up new skills, and expanding my leadership capabilities by applying the practices and attitudes I was reading about from these frontline operators to Commanders in Chief.

While I’ve extensively read about Navy SEALs—arguably among our premier military operators—the profound connection between a swim buddy and leadership crystallized for me when I recently read Admiral William H. McRaven’s book, The Wisdom of the Bullfrog. McRaven describes a swim buddy as “someone who could bail you out of a tough situation.” He emphasizes that no leader is capable or strong enough to withstand the daily pressures of leadership alone.

This perspective prompted me to reflect on the significance of my own swim buddies throughout my career. A common thread among them is trust. This trust fosters an environment where complete, and sometimes brutally honest, feedback is possible, which is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows one to “accept both their support and criticism with equal grace.” Simply said, career swim buddies are there to push you forward and stop you from wallowing in self-pity when times are tough. Ultimately, your swim buddy will help you make better decisions as a leader.

Every leader faces challenges such as missed deadlines, economic downturns, unmet sales targets, or declining employee morale. I’ve encountered these adversities, often simultaneously. Reflecting on my career, I recognize that my achievements would have been significantly diminished without the invaluable support of my swim buddies over the years. Their presence provided not only practical assistance but also the emotional resilience needed to navigate complex situations which only become more common as your leadership level rises.

​In leadership, having a trusted partner—a “swim buddy”—is invaluable. These individuals offer safety, accountability, and motivation, helping improve your decision making capabilities and drive better outcomes.