Command by negation

One way to decentralize command is the UNODIR.

The US Navy is said to be the only to utilize this acronym.

It means UNless Otherwise DIRected. An officer informs their superior by sharing the decision, the action he is about to take.

Does not ask for permission.

Instead the superior can override.

“Belay that order.” - as a favourite Star Trek captain would say.

Decisions made much faster.

The effectiveness of operations become a challenge in the preparation and training phase.

Not during execution.

While you can send command to your teams, you can do it because our modern telecommunications allow it. Instanteneous and transparent messages.

You control because you can.

Not because you need to.

You even do it subconsciously because this is how always things worked. You got these type of messages yourself.

While there is a thin line between giving rules of engagement and telling your team how you want something to be done, most of the time we fall on the wrong side of this. Myself included.

While our intent may be different.

To empower our teams, we should only define parameters of things to be done.

May break down to smaller problems though.

Then give the problems to your team members.

Let them solve it.

And then support them even if you personally disagree with the solution.

Only override if the solution to be done contradicts the parameters given. Be that parameter shared or hidden from the team.

But always reason why. And establish a two way comms.

Your people may adapt the solution to the uncovered needs.

That is why you work with them.

To do their best and solve problems.

Not for you to solve it for them.

Do you agree?