First to Paper
Study.
How do you execute in life?
Borrow One Idea: Seize the Initiative
In business or organizational settings, I have found no better method by which initiative can be seized than to be the first one to start writing. The principle, as explained to me, is to be first to paper.
By being the first to start writing, whether on paper, or more likely a whiteboard, you automatically allow your thinking to be the starting point for actual work. Discussions can meander when nothing is written down, but writing is concrete action that requires all others to respond, and likely build on the starting point YOU established.
This allows you to anchor, preemptively move targets/goal-posts, foreclose options, and/or effectively define the basis for further discussion. It works with clients, it works in internal meetings, it works with your children.
I have found again and again that in encounter actions, the day goes to the side that is the first to plaster its opponent with fire. The man who lies low and awaits developments usually comes off second best.
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel
4-8. Commanders and their subordinate leaders create conditions for seizing the initiative with action. Without action, seizing the initiative is impossible. Faced with an uncertain situation, there is a natural tendency to hesitate and gather more information to reduce the uncertainty. Although waiting and gathering information might reduce uncertainty, such inaction will not eliminate it. Waiting may even increase uncertainty by providing the enemy with time to seize the initiative. Effective leaders can manage uncertainty by acting and developing the situation. When the immediate situation is unclear, commanders clarify it by action, not by sitting and gathering information.
ADP 5-0, Sections 4-8, PDF page 66
This week, borrow with pride and put into action seizing the initiative by being first to paper. Where can you clarify or further develop a situation by taking action? What will you write to get people responding to your initiative?
Get Familiar With: The Operations Process - Execution
We make plans and preparations with one intent: to take action.
Execution is “putting a plan into action.” But…
Commanders fight the enemy, not the plan. … A plan provides a reasonably forecast of execution. However, it remains a starting point, not an exact script to follow. As General George S. Patton, Jr. cautioned, “…one makes plans to fit circumstances and does not try to create circumstances to fit plans.”
ADP 5-0, Sections 4-2, PDF page 65
Leaders lead planning. And leaders lead preparation. But a leader’s reputation is formed primarily based on how they execute.
Effective execution requires leaders trained in independent decision making, aggressiveness, and risk taking in an environment of mission command.
ADP 5-0, Sections 4-3, PDF page 65
How do you execute your life? Are you taking action to seize the initiative? When you have seized the initiative, do you know what to do with it?
The Guided Discovery for this week will explore the activities related to Execution (within the Operations Process), seizing initiative, and a leader’s responsibility to drive momentum.
Learn More: Suggested Reading
ADP 5-0, The Operations Process
Pages 4-1 through 4-9 based on printed document (PDF pages 65-73)
An overview of the leadership actions and responsibilities during execution in the Operations Process
These materials will be the focus of Thursday’s Guided Discovery
Catch Up: Last Week’s Content
Study: Ninja Warriors
Guided Discovery: The Operations Process - Preparation
Always be asking:
1. What is the connection with my leadership development?
2. How does this change my thinking on management?
3. How does this influence planning for life?
4. What can I borrow with pride to use this week?