In last month’s column, I wrote about how military strategy can help businesses learn to navigate the current chaotic times. This month, I’ll expand on that concept. I participated in an ASPE webinar, “Leading Through Chaos,” held June 2. The presenter was Kevin Black, an expert in “emergent leadership.” A former Army officer, a strategy and leadership consultant and member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Kevin shared some of his insights working with start-ups to large companies, like Medtronic. The webinar was excellent, and Kevin gave us a number of insights in how to lead people through times of chaos. 

We began by discussing how strategy is the cornerstone of being able to lead through chaos.  Two archetypes of strategy were presented. On one hand, we have the “deliberate” strategy, based on the premise that the future can be anticipated. Some characteristics are detailed planning, significant information gathering and a top-down command structure. According to Kevin, 90% of these strategies are not actualized as intended. On the other hand, we have the “emergent” strategy, based on the premise that you cannot anticipate the future. This strategic archetype demands flexibility in your approach as you work within a general framework or system to guide your company. Interestingly, it is the emergent strategy that places a premium on leadership. Specifically, it relies on situational decision-making, especially from leaders on the ground, to help drive strategy from the bottom-up.