I see an important distinction between problem-solving as a method and decision making as a process. I see problem solving as an important component of decision-making but I see this distinction: decision-making seems to be the ultimate act of convergent thinking as a prelude to action. I see problem-solving as an analytical or intuitive process […]
Category: Planning
Creativity is not enough
Do you enjoy the sudden rush from having a new idea? Do your toes curl with excitement when you see new possibilities? Does your heart pound at the emergence of a new insight? So what? What do you do with the energy? It has to go someplace or it will quickly dissipate. Don’t get left […]
World Class Training: the After Action Review
There are many reasons why the US Army has developed such an excellent reputation as a training organization over the years. Excellent equipment, superb training areas, master trainers in the form of non-commissioned officers who have perfected their expertise in task training under all conditions. Success also comes from the knowledge that Army training may […]
5 Essential Qualities For Effective Managers
What does it take to manage a diverse group of creative individuals? An extensive review of management literature produces the following list of management qualities that are essential if you want to build and leverage high performance teams. Without these skills you run the risk of losing your most valuable business asset: the knowledge and energy […]
Reflections on TRADOC Pam 525-5-500: Commander’s Appreciation & Campaign Design (CACD)
Research Question: What is the theoretical basis for the US Army’s proposed modification to the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) and what are the issues of concern for practitioners of the art of military decision making? Introduction and background: The United States Army’s Military Decision-Making Process stands the test of time as a method […]
Holding auditions for the role of Nero in our latest farce
The verdict is finally in and it is clear that the Socialists have won this round in the battle for our economic future. Despite decades of rhetoric to the contrary, when push came to shove, leaders of both parties revealed their true colors by mortgaging our future and the future of our children for the sake […]
Planning for uncertainty and communicating intent
Is there anything in the 5 paragraph field order + annexes that promotes effective visualization in the mind of the reader?
a. it DOES support compartmentalized staff approach to managing a known, familiar type of problem that is well suited for an engineering solution. I can take the order apart, hand out annexes, have staff go to their cubby hole and comeback with the functional response in that lane, and then through the rehearsal & wargaming process check for goodness of fit at functional boundaries. But if I don’t have a well or semi-structured process, this method begins breaking down