McChrystal: 'Commander's Intent' Enables Decentralized Teams to Adapt When Plans Fail
Stanley McChrystal · #132 Ret. Gen. Stanley McChrystal - The Essence of Leadership · Mar 8, 2022 · at 31:02
Retired General Stanley McChrystal explains the tactical purpose of 'Commander's Intent' versus rigid military mission orders when operating under uncertainty.
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“And what the commander's intent was designed to do was tell everyone in the organization, this is what I actually mean. And if everything goes to hell, as long as we get this done, accomplish this outcome, that's success. And so while I've got a plan that says we are going to do it this way, if the plan falls apart, whatever we can do to accomplish this outcome is good. And it's letting All of the force into the commander's head, understanding what to do, and so when the plan goes badly, as they invariably do, you know, and you're picking the pieces up and adapting, everybody can pick up the piece and adapt by themselves. They don't need you to tell them exactly what to do.”
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