Maneuver Warfare in Business

Managed to read a portion of a Speech by Col. John Allen today. It speaks of the striking similarities between the battle ground and business today and the concepts that yield victory on both. This is the first time I read about the term "Maneuver Warfare" and thought it was a good thesis on how speed and intent is crucial to business success.

" Maneuver warfare, as in business, as in battle, war and conflict, is a time-competitive process. It favors the side which is quicker in decision making and relentless in execution. ...... Speed generates a force multiplying effect. Operationally, we sought their weak points, and where we found them, we penetrated them quickly, we moved deep into their rear area as quickly as we could, we bypassed their strength and left that behind to be handled by follow on forces. Leaving the commanders of the enemy troops the reality of reporting from the battlefield that mechanized forces, Marine Corps forces, are in our rear areas and they're moving for the capital, and we cannot stop. That report alone is chilling and generates an immobility of decision making"

- Colonel John Allen

79th Commandant of Midshipmen
US Naval Academy

Speed is of the essence.

But to support and exploit speed, there needs to be a common vision, coupled with trust and empowerment of everyone in the organisation. In my experience, this is the toughest portion of it all and lots of opportunities are lost mainly due to both hesitation on the ground level or bottlenecks at the top level.

Its not a easy goal to achieve and while smaller teams generally have the advantage, bigger organisations can also train up to these standards. Being more responsive and decisive is key to competition in this new economy.

Remember, every bit of additional time one puts in gives the competition more breathing space to plan and counter-act. Don't give them that chance.

[Also on : sgEntrepreneurs ]