Quick Links
Connect us
Directors Databank
Become a faculty
Blog
Become an Awards Assessor
Publications
Contact Us
Making Better Decisions: Lessons from Military Command
Today's fast-changing and highly competitive business environment is nothing short of a fight for survival for most entrepreneurs.
Data tells us that 90% of all new businesses fail, with only 9% of small businesses surviving 10 years that too by continuously changing their business model.
While the difference between failure, survival, and success depends on several factors, one key factor is the ability to make good decisions.
Entrepreneurs can do themselves a big favour by taking a closer look at how countries pull themselves together when faced with challenges to national security.
Adding to this, Behavioral Science tells us that we suffer from decision fatigue from having to make too many decisions. Result? We don't make the best decisions possible.
To avoid this, we need to be aware of what type of decisions we are making and cut down on the unnecessary ones.
Behavioral Science tells us that we suffer from decision fatigue from having to make too many decisions. Result? We don’t make the best decisions possible.
Military Decision Making & Business Decision Making
Military commands all over the world follow strict doctrines on how decisions are made: up, down, and across hierarchies and functional areas.
To have a clear and cohesive action plan that is effective and efficient during an emergency, they categorize decisions and actions into: Strategic, Operational, and Tactical.
Knowing this, businesses can similarly frame issues to improve decision-making and get better results.
Another Alignment Analogy
Business thought leaders have often spoken about starting with WHY (a purpose, or reason) before moving to the HOW (a method, or process) and WHAT (a product or service).
Notice how this aligns with the military doctrine!
• Strategic is the WHY
• Operational is the HOW
• Tactical is the WHAT
Using this methodology, leaders can break down just about anything, helping them make better decisions and improve their chances of achieving better outcomes consistently.
Back to HomeAuthor
Mr. Sandeep Ohri
That Strategy Guy Business & Strategy Consultant, Independent Director
Owned by: Institute of Directors, India
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles/ stories are the personal opinions of the author. IOD/ Editor is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in those articles. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the articles/ speeches do not reflect the views of IOD/ Editor and IOD/ Editor does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
