Changing minds in the Army: Why is it so difficult and what to do about it?
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/changing-minds-in-the-army-why-is-it-so-difficult-and-what-to-do-about-it
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With the end of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army now finds itself in a time of extraordinary fiscal and national security uncertainty. In such an environment, it seems naïve, or at least overly optimistic, to assume that all, or<br />even most, of a strategic leader’s current assumptions will be just as relevant several years into the future. It follows then, that senior leaders may need to be willing to change their minds on important issues instead of clinging to increasingly obsolete ideas and positions. For this monograph, changing one’s mind implies a reversal of a previous judgment or position on an issue.<br />(Retrive from <a target="_blank" href="http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/files/1179-summary.pdf">http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/files/1179-summary.pdf</a>. 24 Feb 2015).Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:17:51 -0500Changing minds in the Army: Why is it so difficult and what to do about it?
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/changing-minds-in-the-army-why-is-it-so-difficult-and-what-to-do-about-it
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With the end of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army now finds itself in a time of extraordinary fiscal and national security uncertainty. In such an environment, it seems naïve, or at least overly optimistic, to assume that all, or<br />even most, of a strategic leader’s current assumptions will be just as relevant several years into the future. It follows then, that senior leaders may need to be willing to change their minds on important issues instead of clinging to increasingly obsolete ideas and positions. For this monograph, changing one’s mind implies a reversal of a previous judgment or position on an issue.<br />(Retrive from <a target="_blank" href="http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/files/1179-summary.pdf">http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/files/1179-summary.pdf</a>. 24 Feb 2015).SFC Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 24 Feb 2015 12:17:51 -05002015-02-24T12:17:51-05:00Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 1:58 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/changing-minds-in-the-army-why-is-it-so-difficult-and-what-to-do-about-it?n=495231&urlhash=495231
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The old addage about old dogs and new tricks comes to mind. As does the one about horses and water. You can give people all the tools they need to change and grow, but at the end of the day it comes down to whether or not they choose to use it.SPC Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 24 Feb 2015 13:58:21 -05002015-02-24T13:58:21-05:00Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Feb 24 at 2015 4:14 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/changing-minds-in-the-army-why-is-it-so-difficult-and-what-to-do-about-it?n=495506&urlhash=495506
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Why is it so difficult to change minds in the Army?<br />- The Army is a conservative organization. By definition, this means that the Army is "disposed to preserve existing organizations, institutions, etc or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change".<br />- The Army is a bureaucracy. By definition, this means "administration characterized by excessive red tape and routine". The red tape is loosened during wartime but it comes back with a vengence in peacetime. Look at how hard it was for the SECDEF to get MRAPs to the Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Only by extraordinary measures and leadership...<br />- Senior Army leaders are older people. Older people tend to be less agile and adaptable. Ever hear the saying "can't teach an old dog new tricks"? These old people were successful for certain reasons. Very hard to get them to do something new that goes against what they think was successful in the past.<br />- Winners stick with what they know while losers go to the drawing board. This applies to sports and war. Championship teams are hestitant to make changes even when changes are needed. Teams that don't make the championship do whatever it takes to get to the championship. Look at the Brits, French, and Germans from WWI to WWII.<br />- The natural friction between effectiveness and efficiency. The American taxpayer wants the best bang for their taxpayer buck (efficiency). A Soldier in a foxhole does not care about efficiency, only effectiveness. Congress seems to care about neither (just saying). This natural friction tends to slow down progress and initiative.COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CMTue, 24 Feb 2015 16:14:18 -05002015-02-24T16:14:18-05:002015-02-24T12:17:51-05:00