Mission Type Orders

The Leader Factor

Today's lesson:
The 21st century requires Mission-type or mission-command orders

Key Points:
Mission-type orders include a clear statement of the superior commander's intent and state each unit's tasks in terms of operational effects to be achieved rather than specific commands. A mission-type order only works when your junior officers have the capability to do the job, including the critical and strategic thinking capability. If they don’t, the mission-type order is more dangerous than a static “command order.” The whole concept rests on the ability of the junior leaders to interpret and respond to changing conditions. Let’s understand that a mission-type order is a very different form of delegation. You are mandating the outcome and delegating the tactics.

Today's key action:
Next time you assign a task, consider “Mission-type Orders”. Describe the what, delegate the how.