[[!meta date="2018-02-14 15:38:33 +0800"]]
[[!tag management leadership]]

I have been asked a few times recently about my management style. First, while applying for a position myself. Next, less expected, by a member of the org I joined as well as by a candidate I interviewed for a position in the team.

My answer was not very concise, as I lacked the framework knowledge to be so.

Today, I believe to have stumbled on a description of the style I practice (or certainly aim to) most often on [[Adam Drake's blog|https://aadrake.com/]]. Its name? [[Mission Command|http://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/misc/doctrine/CDG/adp6_0.html]]. (The key alternative being detailed command.)

Now this is an interesting revelation for more than one reason. I consider it a positive thing I can now more clearly articulate how I naturally tend to work as a team leader. It now becomes clear too what is important to me, by reviewing the key principles:

  * Build cohesive teams through mutual trust.
  * Create shared understanding.
  * Provide a clear commander’s intent.
  * Exercise disciplined initiative.
  * Use mission orders.
  * Accept prudent risk.
  
Reviewing these principles in detail, this style of leadership should not be mistaken for *laissez-faire*. Providing clear commander's intent, creating shared understanding, using mission orders are very active principles for the leader. For the subordinate, the need to exercise *disciplined* initiative is clearly also not a free-for-all. The need for mutual trust for this to work cannot be emphasised enough.