Chapter 11 Flashcards
Chapter 11 Decisiveness amid Uncertainty p254
Leaders cannot be paralyzed by fear (in situations where you have limited information about the enemy/situation). What should leaders do?
It is critical for leaders to act decisively amid uncertainty, to make the best decision based on only the immediate information available.
Chapter 11 Decisiveness amid Uncertainty p254-255
What does waiting for the 100% right in certain solution to?
Leads to delay, indecision, and it inability to execute. Leaders must be prepared to make an educated guess based on previous experience, knowledge of how the enemy operates, likely outcomes, and whatever intelligence is available in that immediate moment.
Chapter 11 Decisiveness amid Uncertainty p253
Comment story
Sniper spotted possible target with scoped rifle in building but didn’t have a positive identification. Without positive identification senior leadership resisted calls to shoot unidentified target, which turned out to be military personnel.
Chapter 11 Decisiveness amid Uncertainty p262
Business application
Manager with two warring but valuable engineers who refuse to get along and both demanded that the other to be fired. Rather than be held hostage manager promotes member of each engineer’s team, and fires warring engineers.
Chapter 11 Decisiveness amid Uncertainty p254
What is it about the movies and TV shows get wrong about the unknown of real combat?
The combat leader almost never has the full picture or a clear and certain understanding of the enemy’s actions or reactions, nor even the knowledge of the immediate consequences for momentary decisions
Chapter 11 Decisiveness amid Uncertainty p253
What should leaders/decision makers understand about making decisions in rapidly changing environments (such as combat, business)?
There is no 100% right solution. the picture is never complete. Leaders must be comfortable with this and be able to make decisions based on evolving situations and new information, but they must be employed with realistic expectations and must not impede swift decision making that is often the difference between victory and defeat.
Chapter 11 Decisiveness amid Uncertainty p254
Why must business leaders be comfortable in the chaos and act decisively amid such uncertainty.
Outcomes are never certain; success is never guaranteed. (never a 100% right solution)
