Posted on Jun 22, 2014
COL Vincent Stoneking
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I am currently reading http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?pubID=382

A question for those who have been, or interacted with, a strategic level leader in the military or civilian realm....

Of all the things that you do/did/observed, what is the most important?
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Responses: 3
LTC Paul Labrador
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The ability to think outside of the box.

The ability to analyze cause/effect and predict 2nd and 3rd order ramifications of decisions made.
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LTC(P) Reserve Program Director
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They were empathetic and never lashed out at subordinates. They listened and accepted input from there staff and FLLs.
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1LT Shawn McCarthy
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It seems to me that many higher level leaders - in the military and the private sector - forget what the battlefield looked like from a front line foxhole.

They made the same shortsighted decisions that they complained about when they were on the front line.

Biggest thing, don't lose sight of the view from the front.
Even visit the front every now and then, talk to the leaders and grunts...

It helps with perspective.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
10 y
It is always good to have an idea of what the micro effects will be, but that is not what "strategic leaders" are really concerned about. What may not make sense from the tactical point of view (ie squad/platoon/company level) may make perfect sense at the Dept of Defense level. What may seem "short sighted" to you may not necessarily be so in the big picture.
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1LT Shawn McCarthy
1LT Shawn McCarthy
10 y
I understand. Obviously you cannot ONLY consider front line concerns, but that strategic picture, in part, is the conglomeration of all the front-line-views within the scope of influence.
I am not saying obsess over the front line perspective, but make damn sure you don't ignore it.
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