Pirate vs Navy

“It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the Navy.” – Steve Jobs

This quote has come up in a few conversations recently, both with clients and at home. Pirates are bold, daring and undeniably cool. They challenge the status quo and keep us thinking outside the box. Let’s be honest—most of us like the idea of being pirates. ☠️

But here’s the catch: even the best pirates need a bit of Navy to stay on course. Structure, strategy and discipline are what turn wild ideas into lasting success. Without it, the ship runs aground or everyone nicks off in different directions with pieces of treasure.

This balance plays out in my own life. I’m Navy - methodical, strategic and focused on long-term goals. I like lists. My husband? A full-on Pirate -creative, agile, risk-taking and always ready to jump into the unknown. Not a fan of lists. 🤷‍♀️

The magic lies in the mix, same as for great teams. Most need both: pirates to challenge and innovate, and navies to ground and execute. And sometimes, we need to borrow from the other’s playbook - whether it’s the Navy embracing creative risks or pirates learning the value of strategy and coordination.

Pirates may TRY and steal the spotlight, but without a bit of Navy, the ship doesn’t sail.

So, which one are you? Pirate, Navy—or maybe a hybrid with a foot in both worlds?

#tenders #tenderwriting #bidmanagement #proposalmanagement #teamwork #leadership