Not the Same Thing
If you haven’t seen Arnold Schwarzenegger’s non-blockbuster classic Commando, you need to stop everything and watch it—or put it somewhere in your queue. It’s best known for using the same extras, which results in the same people dying repeatedly throughout the film. It’s just fun that way.
There is a point here. And it’s the idea of Commander’s Intent. This military term combines strategic direction with the freedom to act. I have long admired this style as it lays out the objective and “mission” parameters and provides the necessary autonomy to the assigned team in the field.
For more insights, pick up the following books:
- Alex Shootman’s “Done Right”
- Jocko Willink’s “Extreme Ownership”
Learning: The concept of Commander’s Intent illustrates the blend of strategic direction and operational freedom without over-managing every detail.
Have you leveraged Commander’s Intent? Has it worked for you? We’d love to know your experience.