What are some fundamental steps for bringing order out of chaos? Leadership Skill: Bringing Order out of Chaos?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:28:03 -0400

RP Members here is one of those Questions out there lost in RallyPoint Cyberspace, because it was switched from a question to a share link, that I've revived for some of the new Members I've connected with. Do you agree or disagree with the author? Do you have additional comments on the subject?

#1 Leadership Skill: Bringing Order out of Chaos
James G. Bohn, Ph.D.
The Blue Collar Scholar - Change Management Expert - Keynote Speaker

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/1-leadership-skill-bringing-order-out-chaos-james-g-bohn-ph-d-?trk=pulse-det-nav_art

The Moment

It's that moment you've been waiting for. They called your name. You're the one they're counting on to make this ... project ... team ... system ... organization ... work. You are the leader they've chosen. Your chance to make a reputation, an impact, a legend. It's now or never.

This is where leadership begins.

The Reality

You're ready. You've been practicing, and you are SO ready. Now it's showtime. And then the nightmare begins. The project you expected has turned out to be a monster. The team you were asked to lead is a group of depressed employees. The system you've been asked to manage is a nightmare of IT spaghetti. Or you've found out the organization you've been called to improve has a long track record of failures.

This is where leadership begins. Leadership is the ability to bring order out of chaos. In my opinion, that what leadership ultimately means. But you may need a few tips. Here are steps I've taken to bring order out of chaos.

Some fundamental steps for bringing order out of chaos:

The big goal here is to help people focus so they can renew their energy around a common set of goals. Get the facts, cut the non-essentials, and focus, focus, focus!

1. Although it sounds very impersonal - Finances come first. What do you know about the budget? Is the group under water? Get those facts on the table as quickly as possible. No budget means working in the dark.

2. Who is on the team? What is their assessment of the situation? (Listen carefully). Who are the naysayers and what are their concerns? If legitimate, address them; if not, explain the need to get on board because the train is leaving the station.

3. What is the group doing? What strange projects are they working on? What unnecessary action is taking place right now? Where are people expending wasteful energy? Stop those things immediately - gently - but immediately.

4. Get rid of unnecessary activities. Stop running reports for about a week and see who complains. (It's astonishing how we continue to run reports for someone who asked for a report ONE TIME). What sorts of other arcane and peripheral projects are wasting employees energy? Cease them immediately!

5. Refocus the team on the essentials - "Here's what we need to accomplish", "Here's where we're expected to be in ten weeks", "This is our charter to achieve." "Here's where we fit into the organization."

6. Be graphic - Pictures help everyone to align. Build a simple one-page map of where you're at and where you're going.

7. Repeat the process until you see daylight.

8. Reward your team along the way ($50 worth of pizza goes a long way.)

9. Remain passionate about winning and let others know you plan to win. LEAD!

10. Help everywhere possible until the team is out of the storm.

Your achievement

This great leadership skill of bringing order out of chaos is what separates real leaders from wannabes. This is difficult, demanding and ... sometimes ... fearsome work, but in my opinion and experience, it is the #1 skill of great leaders and the greatest means for leadership satisfaction.

Stand atop the mountain when the dragon has been slain my friends. You brought order out of chaos. That's leadership!

When people ask you what you do for a living, you can tell them:

"I'm a leader - I bring order out of chaos."

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 17 at 2015 1:32 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:32:15 -0400

I think it is the ultimate object for any leader to being order to the chaos around them. The difference between a good leader and a great leader is how they accomplish that task. I think the things outlined in the article provide great building blocks in which a leader can take and improve their skills with.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 17 at 2015 1:36 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:36:01 -0400

Thanks COL Mikel J. Burroughs.

1. You need to be calm, exude calmness, and be unflappable. When you are stressed out, that is contagious and infectious. When you are calm, others are more likely to remain calm.

2. Make a list, set priorities, have a plan and check regularly on progress. Be careful of multiple priorities... Too many priorities can be confusing and frustrating. You have to focus on what is most important.

3. Care, and lead by personal example, and be present.

4. Empower your subordinate leaders.

Good article... but too complicated.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 17 at 2015 2:23 PM

LTC John Shaw — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 14:23:02 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I am calling NUTS on this one. I get the author's point, but...while it makes for a great sound bite, it effectively communicates nothing meaningful to the recipient. The best communication creates a visual picture of what the required end state and the way the participant plays a meaningful part in this vision.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 3:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:08:52 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Sir, I'm sorry but I can't contribute anything to this thread. Thanks for the tag.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 3:59 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:59:41 -0400

I agree with Ben. I think Chaos is perceived differently. A proper leader would do his best to deal and absorb as much of the soldiers chaos so they can work in order as much as possible. Whether its the stress of a lot of different task that have to be completed in Garrison, or on the front lines of enemy territory, leaders should absorb chaos so soldiers can work in order.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jul 17 at 2015 4:20 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 16:20:12 -0400

Honestly, I think most "leaders" today would do good just to not add to the chaos.
The next trick is to teach subordinates how not to add to the chaos.
Chaos is a natural human state, there is change involved in everything we do. Disruptive technology, new ideas, growth, and adaptation. Being able to read the "chaos" and channel it is a greater skill than stopping or categorizing it. Managers create order, leaders ride the wave.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 6:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:48:34 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Now that I think about it, I did have some leadership skills when I served in Vietnam and at Fort Bragg. I tried to lead by example. I tried to be understanding with my men, who I was friends with long before I made SGT E-5. I had a talk with them, explaining, although I was was still friends with all of them and respected them very much, they needed to respect me and my rank. I was scared to death that I was going to fail them. I was especially nervous when I was told by my PL, to have my men clean up the area. This was at our main AO. They joked with me, called me names, but completed their task. In my civilian life, I was a shift supervisor at a chemical plant. My leadership in the Army rolled over to my leadership at our job. Except at my civilian job, if I saw my techs needed help with something, I would get my tools and help them out. Really, working there on nights and working in Vietnam at night wasn't much different. Things were more relaxed at night in both places when we were in the rear at our AO. When we shutdown the plant for an overhaul, I always called it organized chaos. Had I taken some leadership courses I would have been a better leader in both places. But, in both places I was fair, honest, and friendly. In both places my guys respected me and liked me. I never had any any problems with anyone at either place. I'm not sure if this is what you are leaning towards, but that's my leadership experiences, and skills.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Jul 17 at 2015 9:56 PM

SGT John W Lugo — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:56:52 -0400

The article has very valet points that I think are a must for success, I worked in Florida on behalf of my brothers partner security company and advise them on key changes that once I was brought on to clean up there mess, but they continued with their old ways which lead to the closure of the company one year after I left the company.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 18 at 2015 2:25 PM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 14:25:02 -0400

You must remain calm in the situation. That's what will get people's attention. Then you must be very direct and clear. If you are confident in your demands people will listen and follow, because they have hope in you.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Jul 20 at 2015 12:58 PM

COL Roxanne Arndt — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:58:34 -0400

Timely posting. I'm currently teaching Leadership and Management Theory for Nursing and I think the author makes very succinct points regarding how to refocus a chaotic situation. Nursing is and can be a very chaotic situation especially when dealing with care outcomes and meeting standards. Thanks for the post! I'm sending it out to my class for them to analyze...a great assignment for them!

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Jul 20 at 2015 10:11 PM

COL Roxanne Arndt — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 22:11:34 -0400

I will let you know how it turns out....

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Mar 11 at 2016 10:42 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 22:42:04 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I think Dr. Bohn's article expresses some valid points. Although finances don't relate to many of the situations that we face(d) militarily, the chaos was definitely present in many encountered organizations. I don't think I could give a better response than was given by COL Charles Williams...it is shorter and more concise than Dr. Bohn's article, and it definitely hits the proverbial nail on its head.

Response by 1LT Christopher Sorge made Mar 12 at 2016 10:36 AM

1LT Christopher Sorge — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 10:36:58 -0500

Be calm but resolute. Do not cower but face your opponent head on. Maintain discipline tempered with compassion. Rise above the fray, take charge in the absence of leadership to show others resilience in the overwhelming face of adversity.

Response by 1LT Christopher Sorge made Mar 12 at 2016 10:44 AM

1LT Christopher Sorge — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 10:44:48 -0500

Question to all on Rally point: What will you do if thugs (protesters) appear at our polling locations to intimidate and bully us who show up just to exercise our constitutional right to vote?

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Mar 18 at 2016 1:56 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 13:56:06 -0400

It is a Yin and Yang, even chaos has order, and it is a matter of seeing and nurturing it. Look at China it claims to be communist but in fact it is extreme capitalist, just like the US was before industry laws.

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made Mar 18 at 2016 7:11 PM

MAJ Michael Pauling — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 19:11:22 -0400

is it just me or does that look like Sarah Palin?

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2016 7:04 AM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 07:04:14 -0400

If its that bad take a step back then take a deep breath. And charge forward. Getvall the key leaders together and get their input since they've been through this fiasco. Try and get across to them the importance of setting reasonable standards and ensuring they are met. This is not going to happen overnight. Take baby steps but progress must be made. As others see some sense of accomplishment the attitudes usually change

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Mar 19 at 2016 10:23 AM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 10:23:42 -0400

Excellent Article. Good basis for a leadership position. My thoughts are each situation is different. There is really no one set of rules. The basics always apply. Lead by example, keep calm, listen to the people in your group. Hardest part of being a leader is adapting your style to your people. That is one of the traits that distinguishes good leaders from great leaders.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Sep 30 at 2018 1:19 PM

SSG Jess Peters — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 13:19:21 -0400

You need to show confidence in being able to accomplish your tasks. I had a Chaparral.crew that was short one crewman until the morning of our annual evaluation. The day of the evaluation at 0800 my toxic leader. (He wanted me to fail) My Bn commander was present at the time. When my Battery Commander asked me if I wanted to go last. I said no sir I want to be first. Eval's were scheduled to start at 1300. We did a few practice drills, they were not very good. When everyone left for lunch we stayed behind a did one more practice drill. At the end of the evaluation we were #2 overall in the Bn. I showed a great deal of confidence in the crews ability. My crew by the way I hand picked with poor performers in our platoon no one wanted.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Sep 30 at 2018 3:09 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:09:02 -0400

I agree 100%.

James Bohn has done an amazing job in simplifying what many make way too complicated. While he is applying to an IT industry, it does not take much to applying them to any industry or business, especially the military.

I believe that as an NCO, it was my responsibility to maintain a strong and firm posture to maintain control of my troops, but at the same time realized that morale was at least 75% of what I was responsible for ensuring in order to maintain that control.

These suggestions from Bohn will, IMHO, work towards not only using the morale, but also a mutual respect.

This way you also learn the strengths and weaknesses of those in your team, thereby making sure your team has every available opportunity to ensure your teams effectiveness. If your section, squad, platoon, company, battalion, etc. is not operating as a team, then the chances for failure are increased.

This form of leadership works and is effective. I would encourage everyone to read this article and see if you can apply this or any part of this article into your leadership if you are experiencing problems in your organization.

The illustration I have posted is what I believe to be a powerful visual illustration of some of the main principles of James Bohn’s article.

Great post COL Mikel J. Burroughs!

LTC Stephen F.,SPC Douglas Bolton,Brig Gen Jim Jaeger,CPT Jack Durish,Maj Marty Hogan,SPC Christopher Smith,Lt Col Charlie Brown,Cpl Scott McCarroll,SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth,SP5 Mark Kuzinski,PVT Mark Brown,SGT Elizabeth Scheck,PFC Jacob Wrubel,MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy,SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL,SSG William Jones,TSgt Joe C.,SSgt Robert Marx,SGT Robert George,

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 30 at 2018 3:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:40:39 -0400

I am stuck on unmotivated followers. I never had that problem. I have often brainstormed and visualized events. On occasions I would make a flow chart to help me understand the situation. I will be driven by TLPs, Priorities of work, and OPORD format to simplify and execute.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 9 at 2018 9:21 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 21:21:07 -0400

If you have to constantly say ‘you’re in charge’, you’re not. Get buy in. If the team believes in the cause half your battle is already won. They’ll go the extra mile to help and ensure the mission is completed. More than likely ahead of schedule. Reward in public reprimand in private

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Oct 9 at 2018 11:49 PM

LTC Jesse Edwards — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 23:49:10 -0400

In the Army, we called it "the mission". In project management, we call it "Project Sope". The first thing a leader needs to know is the mission or project scope. and then be able to articulate clearly and calmly.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 10 at 2018 12:07 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:07:37 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs The very last line says it all! “I am a leader - I bring order out of chaos”!

Leaders take charge! And everyone soon realizes, there is a new sheriff in town!