3 Ways a ‘Commander Intent’ Mindset Empowers Operators to Achieve Extraordinary Results

⬆️ Mindset Shift to ODED:

When assigning work, slow down and discipline yourself using the ‘ODED framework’ (outlined below). ODED is based on Commander Intent, taught at West Point.

📋 Why Commander Intent is Critical for the Operator:

Executing with excellence requires giving sufficient context to those doing the work. Time-starved Operators sometimes fall into the trap of rushing unclear and often ambiguous work assignments. These frenetic Operators cause downstream problems by failing to use proven frameworks for giving the context to the assignment - which parallels the concept of ‘Commander Intent.’ Momentum builds when the context is clear.

As West Point teaches, Commander Intent provides a clear desired end state through a concise statement of the operation's purpose or why. The tactic clearly aligns subordinates with the commander’s vision and is essential for effective military planning and decentralized execution. 

West Point teaches three crucial elements of Commander Intent, which include:

• “Purpose: Clearly articulating the reason for conducting the operation, ensuring that all participants understand the "why" behind their actions.  

• End State: Defining the desired outcome of the operation, painting a vivid picture of what success looks like, and providing a shared goal for all involved. 

• Key Tasks: Identifying the essential actions that must be taken to achieve the end state, breaking down the mission into manageable steps that guide planning and execution.” Source.

As high-performing Operators, how can we leverage the power and simplicity of Commander Intent?

📖 Why You Should Consider ‘ODED’ for Work Assignments: 

Many years back, starting my career, I knew I needed an operating framework for assigning tasks. Years later, after developing the simple ‘ODED Framework,’ I realized the approach mapped directly to Commander Intent.

This proven framework will help you assign work efficiently and effectively.

Whether assigning a new objective, initiative, project, or task presented in a meeting, tasked through a project management system, or communicated through email or chat, the ODED Framework will help you deliver consistent results.

The ODED Framework, which parallels Commander Intent, stands for:

• Overview: Briefly state the work's why or purpose. 

• Deliverables: Clearly explain what the end state will look like - what is expected when ‘done.’

• Estimated Time: By providing an approximate time frame, you are supplying an essential element of work, helping the recipient to better visualize the work and expected time investment.

• Due Date: Clear articulation of due date and time of day if relevant. 

Zooming out, what about more involved projects or initiatives? Clearly defining additional elements like Project Owner, Project Manager, and Support Team while establishing collaboration and sign-off points and regular updating frequency will be helpful.

🚀 In summary, when you use the ODED Framework, you can expect three benefits:

1. Time Savings: You will save significant time by avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary communication volleys that happen when the work isn’t clear.

2. Empowerment: The recipient of your well-crafted work assignment will feel more autonomy and freedom to approach the work.

3. Due Dates: You will ship more consistently and avoid expensive rework because the expectations were clear from the beginning. 

Here is an example of using the ODED Framework for a ticketing system initiative.

[Imagine a leader presenting the following information to their team].

Overview: Due to the continued success of the recently launched Project X, we must transition to a dedicated ticketing system to avoid letting any support issues fall through the cracks. 

Deliverables: Deliver a final team recommendation and at least three stacked ranked alternatives based on scored criteria you believe are essential for assessing ticketing platforms.

Estimated Time: 60 hours

Due Date: By Friday the 1st or sooner.

⚡ What to Put into Action:

Consider experimenting with aspects of the ODED framework the next time you task out work.

The framework delivers a complete picture for most types of work assignments. Sometimes, however, the full framework isn’t needed, like when the recipient clearly understands the work's context, why, or purpose. If so, you can skip the ‘Overview’ part of the framework. As Operators, we are hyper-efficient and avoid any work that doesn’t advance the mission. 

🔎 Want to Go Deeper into Task Assignment? 

As part of the Productivity Accelerator, we dive deep into tasks and execution intelligence with the Command Center Masterclass. Consider applying to the next Productivity Accelerator. The Productivity Accelerator is guaranteed to 10x your knowledge and ability to execute with excellence. 

💡 What Do You Think?

Are you ready to give the ODED framework a try? If so, reply and let me know what you learned. 

🛠️ Tool Time:

Project management tools like Jira, Trello, Asana, Monday.com, and others can be configured to include the ODED framework. 

☁️ AI Content Disclaimer:

Bard offered some help tuning the subject line and helping to provide the West Point Commander Intent information, pulling in part from the West Point Cadet Field Manual and other sources. Everything else is human-created content.

✅ Mind Break:

As a bonus, give yourself a learning microbreak and check out ▶️ Jerry Seinfeld unpacking his ‘Poptart Joke.’ Be inspired to be more persuasive in writing your task assignments and communications.

Operators unite,

Steve Kahle |  ELITE OPERATORS

🔵 P.S.

P.S. If you find value, please share my content with others, which is a great way to help me build a growing community of elite operators. Also, check out my no-cost resources, like the Ideal Recurring Week Mini-Course. You can also apply for my next Productivity Accelerator, become a paid subscriber, or recommend me for executive coaching, operational and technology consulting, or speaking opportunities like this interview called Time Architecture, Transition from Stressed, and Distracted to Focused.

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