Dan Caldwell, in his research paper The Cuban Missile Affair and the American Style of Crisis Management for The RAND Corporation, describes how there are seven styles of American crisis management. They are, “(1) Crises are assumed to be manageable, (2) As soon as crises begin, there is a strong tendency for previous plans and … Continue reading Speaking Truth to Power: The Most Essential Quality for Any Intelligence Professional
Newly commissioned officers and officer hopefuls look to various areas for role models. Some looks to business and politics while others look to science and academia. Yet, most look towards military officers, persons such as GEN Creighton Abrams, LTG Lewis “Chesty” Puller, or ADM Chester Nimitz. Many are able to find key qualities for officers … Continue reading General Sam and the Warrior-Scholar: The Importance of Self-Education in the Armed Forces
By Warrant Officer Class One Brad Doyle, Regimental Sergeant Major Combat Training Centre. The RSM at Divisional, Brigade and Battle Group level has a number of functions and tasks. What is the function that best describes the RSM during planning? Is the role defined and do RSMs know of this role? The Manual of Army … Continue reading THE REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR IN PLANNING
Military reading lists always seem to generate debate in the military blogosphere. The choice of books that individuals or organisations recommend to their people says a lot about who they are and what they hold dear. Similar to our doctrine, they are almost a representation of our belief system, so it’s natural for them to … Continue reading Finding a place for ‘Once an Eagle’
“Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. He who enjoys it wields a power more durable than that of a great king. He is an independent force in the world. Abandoned by his party, betrayed by his friends, stripped of his offices, whoever can command this … Continue reading The Five Elements of Great Oratory Skill: Winston Churchill’s Approach to Persuasive Speech
“But why, some say, the moon?”[1] While definitions of strategy vary, few question the value of a strategy to provide a ‘big idea’ and a sense of how an organisation can work towards an aspirational goal. As big ideas go, the President Kennedy’s 1961 proposal that the US commit ‘before this decade is out, of … Continue reading Project Apollo and Strategy as a Conversation
“We need leadership, not likership” is a common catchphrase among many military organisations. Based on the premise that the desire to be liked is inherent in our nature, this statement left me conflicted, particularly noting that my personal experience within the military weighs preference to working for likable commanders. As such, I set out on … Continue reading Leadership vs Likership: No one wants to be led by a jerk
