Chapter 3 Believe Flashcards
Chapter 3 Believe p74
What was the reason that the author never expressed doubts or openly questioned the wisdom of the plan to include poorly trained and equipped Iraqi soldiers on every mission?
Because if he expressed doubts in front of the troops their derision toward the mission would increase exponentially. They would never believe in the mission and it would fail. the author need to understand the reasoning behind the new orders so that he could buy in and explain it the troops so they could do the same.
Chapter 3 Believe p76
What must a leader do to convince and inspire others to follow and accomplish a mission?
He must believe in the mission.
Chapter 3 Believe p76
If a leader does not believe in a mission what happens?
The leader will not take the required risk to overcome the inevitable challenges necessary to win. And they will not be able to convince others especially those executing the mission to do so.
Chapter 3 Believe p77
How important a resolute belief in the mission?
Far more important than training or equipment, it’s critical for any team to win and have big results.
Chapter 3 Believe p77
Why is it important for the leader to align thoughts and vision to that of the mission?
Because once a leader believes in the mission that belief shines through to those below and above in the chain of command. Actions and words reflect belief with a clear confidence and self assuredness that is not possible when belief is in doubt.
Chapter 3 Believe p77
What should a leader be able to do with an order that they themselves question and do not understand?
Detach from the immediate tactical mission and understand how what they are being asked to do fits into overall strategic goals. To do this they have to deconstruct the situation, analyze the strategic picture and come to a conclusion.
Chapter 3 Believe p77
What does a leader do when they can’t determine a satisfactory answer themselves?
They need to take to the chain of command and ask for questions until they understand why. When they understand why they can move forward fully believing.
Chapter 3 Believe p77
Its incumbent on senior leaders to take the time to explain and answer junior leaders questions. Why is it that junior leaders may not have an understanding of why they are being asked to do something ?
Because front line troops (junior leaders) never have as clear an understanding of the strategic picture as senior leaders might anticipate. Its critical that those senior leaders impart a general understanding of that strategic knowledge - the why
Chapter 3 Believe p78
How does this concept of believing translate to the private sector, how does not believing impact business?
Subordinates in the private sector asked to implement a strategy that they don’t understand won’t believe in the strategy.
Chapter 3 Believe p78
Junior leaders must ask questions to understand strategy but they must also provide what to the senior leaders?
Feedback so that senior leaders understand the ramifications of how strategic plans affect execution on the ground level.
Chapter 3 Believe p78
Belief in the mission ties in with what Law of Combat?
The Fourth Law of Combat: Decentralized Command
Chapter 3 Believe p78
With the belief concept of EO what are the responsibilities of the leader and subordinate?
Leaders must explain not just what to do but the Why.
Subordinate leader must reach out and ask if they don not understand
Only when all levels understand and believe in the mission can they pass that understanding and belief to their teams.
Chapter 3 Believe p84
Leadership is not one person leading a team, rather its…
a group of leaders working together, up and down the chain of command, to lead. If you are on your own you won’t be able to handle it.
