convey the leader’s intent

General George G. Meade and Staff

Union Army General George Meade would sit down with his war council sometimes three or four times per day during the battle. This continual “confirmation of understanding” allowed Meade to better to communicate with his commanders and soldiers the tactics and strategies needed to survive the Confederate push.

This notion of the leader’s intent is an important one for all of us. The concept is simple: everyone in the chain of command must know clearly and concisely the mission’s objectives two levels above them and be able to communicate this information two levels below them. This understanding enables anyone in the army to make decisions “in the moment” that are consistent with the overall strategic objective set by the general.

A key part of this concept is to have a “briefback,” or “confirmation of understanding.” Having everyone on the team articulate in his or her own words an accurate understanding of the leader’s intent so that you, the leader, can be confident they understand it and will make the right decisions.

Paul Merrild

"Reflections on Leadership from Gettysburg" Harvard Business Review. 10/12/2015