The Case for Decentralized Thinking
by Benjamin Summers
Download The Full Article: Widening and Flattening: The Case for Decentralized Thinking
The "fog of war" has thickened over the past decade. Dynamic operating environments and information overload are two unique challenges that strategists face as we approach our tenth year of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. In our operating environment, blurred lines of distinction and sensitive battles of perception have shrunk the gap between tactics and strategy, increasing the risk of "tactical victories" turning into "strategic defeats." We face these tactical and strategic challenges in an era where information is so readily available that finding relevance is becoming increasingly difficult. While these two layers of fog hinder visibility for strategists, the Army turns towards our junior leaders to provide new viewpoints and effectively process information. By incorporating more young minds into our problem framing and solving processes, the Army has moved towards decentralizing the way that we think as an organization. Decentralized thinking works because it widens our perspective and flattens the way that we process information.
To fully embrace this concept of decentralized thinking, the Army must train its junior leaders to become better critical thinkers. Junior leadership training should focus less on the "right answer" and more on the mental calculus that promotes critical thinking. Commanders must ensure that a non-macho culture prevails in their formations so young leaders have the confidence to make decisions when black and white are muddled with grey. Throughout history, strategists have used flexibility to solve complex problems, and as we adapt to find answers in our current fight, our flexible response will ensure that we make the "game-changing" decisions that count.
Download The Full Article: Widening and Flattening: The Case for Decentralized Thinking
Ben Summers graduated from West Point in 2006 with a BS in Economics. In 2008, Ben deployed with the 101st Airborne Division as a Platoon Leader in a Blackhawk helicopter company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 09-11. He recently graduated from the Aviation Captain's Career Course at Fort Rucker and is currently serving as an assistant operations officer in the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade.
