# The 7 principles of mission command ## Source - [[book - Superforecasting - the art and science of prediction]] as an initial idea of military not giving orders but mission objectives - [[article - Understanding the 7 mission command principles]] ## Keywords (topics and howto) - [[topic - leading and managing]] - [[topic - mental models]] - [[topic - information management]] - [[topic - communicate effectively]] - [[how to build trust]] - [[how to be a better communicator]] - [[How to build a culture]] - [[how to be a better leader]] - [[Update how to build a team]] ## Related notes - [[zt - let them lead]] - [[zt - tools for team]] - [[zt - the goals of good writing]] - [[zt - managing mistakes]] - [[zt - everyone is smart]] - [[zt - auto-healing team]] - [[zt - being a contribution]] - [[zt - intent based leadership]] ## Notes [Understanding the 7 Mission Command Principles](https://controlledforce.com/understanding-the-7-mission-command-principles/) > ## The 7 Principles of Mission Command > > The seven principles of mission command are essential for commanders to understand and apply to create a shared understanding within their unit and ultimately achieve success on the battlefield. Let’s define the seven principles. > > ### Competence > > Commanders must clearly understand what they are doing and be able to execute their tasks confidently. They must also be able to explain their decisions and actions to their subordinates. > > ### Mutual Trust > > Commanders must trust their subordinates to make decisions and carry out tasks independently. They must also trust their subordinates to provide honest feedback. > > ### Shared Understanding > > Commanders and subordinates must have a shared understanding of the mission, the situation, and each other’s roles. > > ### Commander’s Intent > > Commanders must clearly articulate their vision and intent for the mission. This will help subordinates make decisions and take action even when the commander is not present. > > ### Mission Command Orders > Commanders must give subordinates clear and concise orders focused on the mission, not on how to accomplish the mission. This allows subordinates to use their own initiative and judgment to complete the task. > > ### Disciplined Initiative > > Subordinates must exercise disciplined initiative within the commander’s intent. This means they must take action to accomplish the mission based on the commander’s order. > > ### Accepting Risk > > Commanders and subordinates must be willing to accept risk. This means they must be willing to take risks that may lead to failure and have the courage to seize opportunities that may lead to success.