What is Commander’s Intent?
Hey there! Let’s talk about commander’s intent and how it can transform the way we work. First, let’s understand its counterpart – micromanagement. You may have experienced it firsthand; it’s like a dark cloud hanging over a worker’s head. Imagine being a skilled professional, only to have someone else hover over you, telling you every tiny detail of your work that you should do. It’s not just irritating; it’s downright inefficient.
Picture a boss overseeing 2,000 employees. If they had to dictate every last detail of each task, they’d be drowning in stress. And if an employee doesn’t get something right, they’ll have to keep going back for clarification. Micromanagement is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. No set of instructions can cover every possible scenario, and when things change, micromanagement crumbles.
Now, let’s explore commander’s intent, a far more effective way to delegate tasks. When assigning a task, make sure the person knows why it must be done. The more they grasp the purpose behind your actions, the better equipped they’ll be to adapt when situations shift.
Imagine setting a goal for an employee. You could micromanage them by outlining every step and detail or use commander’s intent. If you choose micromanagement and something goes wrong or they make a mistake, they’ll keep coming back for guidance – ultimately delaying progress and potentially missing the mark on your intended goal.
On the other hand, with commander’s intent, you simply explain the goal and let them find their path to achieve it efficiently and quickly. By understanding your goal, both you and your employee will enjoy greater efficiency.
Where did the commander’s intent come from?
Born on the battlefield, the concept of commander’s intent hinges on trust between generals and field commanders. Picture a general instructing a commander to seize a hill, but as the situation shifts, the commander must return for new orders. This back-and-forth is slow and clunky, especially with limited communication.
Instead, imagine the general sharing the strategy behind capturing that hill and its significance to the overall plan. Now, the commander can tap into their own expertise and creativity to achieve this goal, adapting as needed without constant check-ins. By conveying the intent behind a plan, leaders enable their teams to act autonomously and efficiently.
Applying Commander’s Intent.
This principle applies beyond business, even in friendships. Rather than dictating every detail of a task to your best friend, share your goal and let them find their own way to achieve it. This fosters trust and satisfaction on both sides.
Remember commander’s intent when asking someone to do something. By communicating the purpose of your plan, you empower others to adapt intelligently to changes as they arise, leading to greater efficiency and collaboration.