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Learning Lessons on Learning From the Navy

Published Mon Dec 04 2023

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In 2018, the US Navy faced a significant challenge: improving the readiness of its F/A-18 strike fighter aircraft, as nearly half were consistently unavailable due to maintenance issues. Secretary of Defense Mattis set an ambitious goal to increase the number of ready F/A-18s from 260 to 341 within a year. Despite skepticism, the Navy not only achieved this target but also exceeded it, marking the beginning of a broader transformation across the Navy. The key steps in this transformation included setting a clear mission-driven goal, creating a deep understanding of baseline performance through data and analytics, focusing interventions on crucial performance drivers, establishing ownership and effective collaboration, and emphasizing leadership over management. The Navy adopted a cultural shift termed “Get Real,” encouraging teams to embrace data, acknowledge problems, and prioritize learning and innovation. Leadership played a crucial role in fostering a collaborative problem-solving mindset rather than assigning blame. Regular operating reviews focused on learning, barrier removal, and simplifying activities based on lessons learned. The Navy’s success in surpassing its initial goal and sustaining performance demonstrates the effectiveness of this learning culture, providing valuable insights for organizations facing similar challenges. The Navy’s approach, termed “Get Real, Get Better,” continues to be implemented across the entire Navy, offering a proven path for organizations seeking to enhance their learning culture and achieve their full potential.

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