Podcast Summary: High-Stakes Decision-Making with Errol Doebler

Business, Bourbon and Cigars Episode: High-Stakes Decision-Making with Errol Doebler
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Hosts: Scott Joseph
Guest: Errol Doebler, Former Navy SEAL, FBI Special Agent, Combat Veteran, and Founder of Ice Cold Leader

1. Introduction and Guest Background

In this compelling episode, Scott Joseph welcomes Errol Doebler, a distinguished former Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent, whose extensive experience in elite military operations and counterterrorism investigations uniquely positions him to coach executive teams and professional athletes worldwide. Errol's transition from high-stakes military environments to business leadership provides profound insights into effective decision-making under pressure.

2. The SMAC Process: Framework for Decision-Making

Errol introduces the SMAC Process—a systematic approach to decision-making and problem-solving developed through his military and FBI experiences.

• Situation
• Mission
• Actions
• Command
• Contingencies
• Communication

Notable Quote:

"[07:39] Errol Doebler: When you start a leadership consulting business, the hardest part is to articulate at least yourself, well, what do I stand for? What am I going to talk to people about."

3. Emotional Awareness in High-Pressure Situations

A critical aspect of SMAC is emotional awareness. Errol emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing emotions to maintain clarity and effectiveness in decision-making.

Notable Quote:

"[07:39] Errol Dobler: I was always aware of how I was feeling. I was always aware of my emotion. Always."

Errol shares his personal journey of unknowingly managing traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how his innate process of emotional regulation became a lifesaving mechanism.

4. Transition from Military to Business Coaching

Errol discusses how the principles learned in combat translate seamlessly into the business world. The pressure to make swift, accurate decisions is akin to maintaining business operations and safeguarding the financial health of an organization.

Notable Quote:

"[13:23] Errol Dobler: It's the same pressure to get it right. And I'm glad you brought that up because I get that a lot. Hey, what you did was life or death. I just manage money. I'm like, we're not, it's not a competition."

5. Application of SMAC in High-Stakes Business Environments

Errol provides a vivid example from his FBI career, illustrating how the SMAC process operates in real-time high-stakes scenarios. He recounts a tense encounter in New York City, demonstrating how systematic planning and emotional control led to a successful outcome without casualties.

Notable Quote:

"[22:00] Errol Dobler: The ability to articulate what you're about to do... gives you some place else to focus than the emotion. And it gives you confidence that you've got a plan to handle the situation."

6. Developing Proactive Leadership Through SMAC

The discussion shifts to the importance of proactive problem-solving in leadership. Errol criticizes the tendency of business leaders to react to problems rather than anticipating and addressing the root causes.

Notable Quote:

"[63:56] Errol Dobler: Why are these fires starting? ... spend a little more time on the front end, you wouldn't have these problems."

Errol underscores that by addressing underlying issues, leaders can prevent recurring crises, thereby fostering a more stable and efficient organizational environment.

7. Practical Steps for Leaders to Implement SMAC

Errol outlines actionable steps for leaders to adopt the SMAC framework within their teams:

• Situation: Clearly define the current challenge or scenario.
• Mission: Establish a specific objective to address the situation.
• Actions: Develop a detailed plan of steps to achieve the mission.
• Command: Assign responsibilities and designate leaders for each action item.
• Contingencies: Anticipate potential obstacles and prepare alternative plans.
• Communication: Establish regular check-ins and updates to monitor progress.

Notable Quote:

"[27:02] Errol Dobler: SMAC is the planning process we use in the SEAL teams. All I did was modify it and simplify it a little bit."

8. Prioritization and Mission Alignment

Errol emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing missions to ensure that critical tasks receive the necessary focus and resources. He advises leaders to evaluate missions based on their potential to resolve multiple issues simultaneously.

Notable Quote:

"[42:47] Errol Dobler: The priority is, you know, some of the examples I give when I say combat example for all this. ... Why are we putting out all these fires?"

9. Case Studies: SMAC in Action

a. Tom Drexler's Delegation Challenge

Errol shares his work with Tom Drexler, a successful entrepreneur facing difficulties with delegation. Through the SMAC process, Tom learned to empower his team by clearly defining missions and allowing them to develop their action plans, leading to increased autonomy and business growth.

Notable Quote:

"[57:23] Errol Dobler: When I went through that with Tom, ... he was like, I micromanage. I do it all myself. I don't know how to delegate. ... He had to come to it himself."

b. Building Raider Stadium

Errol describes how project managers responsible for building Raider Stadium were overwhelmed by constant crises due to vague initial statements of work. By revisiting and refining the project scopes, they significantly reduced issues, streamlined operations, and enhanced client relationships.

Notable Quote:

"[63:56] Errol Dobler: ... they have revamped everything and they're now crushing it. Projects are going through faster with better client relationships."

10. Cultivating a Culture of Initiative and Autonomy

Errol highlights the role of leadership in fostering a culture where team members take initiative and exercise autonomy. By setting clear missions and allowing teams to devise their action plans, leaders can cultivate trust and accountability.

Notable Quote:

"[50:23] Errol Dobler: ... by saying, here's the mission. You got to come back to me with the plan."

11. Flexibility Within the SMAC Framework

While the SMAC process provides a structured approach, Errol emphasizes the importance of flexibility. Leaders should adapt SMAC elements to fit their unique organizational contexts, ensuring that the framework supports rather than constrains their decision-making processes.

Notable Quote:

"[60:44] Errol Dobler: SMAC is a guideline. Account for the elements. Not don't have a big dissertation on each element, account for it."

12. Conclusion and Resources

Scott and Errol wrap up the episode by promoting the Business Bourbon and Cigars Leadership Retreat, offering attendees a chance to engage deeply with the SMAC process and build meaningful relationships with like-minded entrepreneurs. Errol also mentions his book, Leading from the Inside Out, as a valuable resource for further understanding the SMAC framework.

Notable Quotes:

"[72:14] Errol Dobler: You can find my book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It's a good place to start, especially the audiobook. It'll get you thinking differently."

"[75:10] Errol Dobler: ... business Bourbon and cigars has changed, evolved, grown. ... Everyone is just building relationships and exchanging ideas."

Key Takeaways

1. SMAC Framework: A comprehensive process for decision-making that includes Situation, Mission, Actions, Command, Contingencies, and Communication.
2. Emotional Awareness: Recognizing and managing emotions is crucial for maintaining clarity and effectiveness under pressure.
3. Proactive Leadership: Addressing root causes of problems prevents recurring crises and fosters a stable organizational environment.
4. Prioritization: Focusing on missions that resolve multiple issues enhances efficiency and impact.
5. Cultivating Culture: Encouraging initiative and autonomy within teams builds trust, accountability, and fosters a high-performance culture.
6. Flexibility: Adapting the SMAC process to fit organizational needs ensures it supports effective decision-making without becoming restrictive.
7. Continual Learning: Engaging with retreats, courses, and literature can deepen understanding and application of the SMAC framework.

Resources Mentioned

• Errol Doebler's Book: Leading from the Inside Out
  Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

• Ice Cold Leader:
  Visit icecoldleader.com for more information on coaching services and courses.

• Business Bourbon and Cigars Leadership Retreat:
  Special Offer: First five attendees receive 50% off. Visit me+Ultra.com/BBC50 or check the show notes for the discount code.

This episode offers invaluable insights into high-stakes decision-making, bridging military precision with business acumen. Errol Doebler's SMAC process empowers leaders to navigate complex challenges with clarity, confidence, and strategic foresight, making it an essential framework for any ambitious entrepreneur or executive.