Why we sometimes take bullets for each other, and what that can teach us in the workplace

In a military context, it is almost self evident: team members put their own safety aside to protect others. They literally take bullets for one another, even when they might not like each other at all in everyday life. It sounds paradoxical, yet it reveals a powerful principle: in extreme circumstances, the shared mission outweighs personal preferences.

What can we learn from this, as a society and within organisations?

Fortunately, the workplace is not about life and death. But the dynamics are surprisingly similar. Irritations, clashing personalities and personal preferences are present there as well. At the same time, teams are expected to deliver results together that no individual could achieve alone.

Understanding that collaboration does not depend on liking each other, but on recognising a shared mission, is essential. When the goal is clear and responsibilities are sharply defined, a culture emerges in which people support one another, regardless of personal differences.

This is not automatic, it is a skill that can be trained. In the military, this happens through endless scenario based training, until loyalty to the mission and the team becomes second nature. Organisations can embrace the same principles. By reflecting together, by learning each other’s strengths, by practising both constructive dissent and true commitment.

The powerful thing is that it works. Teams that learn to act from shared responsibility not only perform better, they also build trust and psychological safety. It is not about everyone liking each other. It is about everyone knowing one thing: when it truly matters, you are never standing alone.