"It Takes a Network to Defeat a Network" - US principle to fight AQI (Al Qaeda in Iraq), via Team of Teams, by McChrystal et. al.
Ideas are the currency of the future. And it takes currency (real and figurative) to invest in their acquisition, organization, and editing.
In Team of Teams, General Stanley McChrystal and others describe a floundering response and adaptation to the war against AQI (Al Qaeda in Iraq). He emphasizes limfac, military-speak for "limiting factors" which prevent an organization from operating at high or peak performance. Superior American technology, forces, and resources struggled in asymmetrical warfare against an under-resourced and untrained adversary that constantly morphed into something else.
He cites multiple examples to describe the problem - the story of Proteus, the 'shape-shifter', HIV, weakening the body so non-threatening organisms become lethal, and the triumph of Admiral Nelson against the Franco-Spanish navies at the Battle of Trafalgar (using a novel formation, below).
We all face limfac, whether we realize it or not. They could be external - time, money, focus, equipment, practice facilities, personnel, assistants, organizational support, community involvement, et cetera. Or it can be our lack of awareness, ignorance, or resistance to change. I'll briefly discuss three elements.
Equipment. "A correctly packed bag can mean the difference between life and death." - Team of Teams
We've all seen players forget uniform parts (sneakers, correct jersey), contact lenses, and medication (e.g. asthma inhalers). Getting everyone on the same page includes preparation details like "packing your bag." An unpacked bag can mean a DNP - Coach's Decision.
I saw a critical volleyball match rescued by a reserve setter while the starter got a shoelace from a teammate.
Community involvement. Sustained success needs community support. "It takes a village to raise a child." We've had extraordinary community support through the years. A group of older fans owned the moniker "The Back Row Boys," providing as much or more support to the girls' programs as the boys'.
Building community is an integral theme for servant leadership. The community generously supports special activities like Senior Night, Hall of Fame Inductions, and fundraising.
Competition. At the Middle School level, the competition has been the YMCA. But at the High School level, three formidable layers emerged - charter schools, Private Religious schools, and Prep Schools. The high school has lost both quality and quantity, the former especially limiting.
Lagniappe: What forces promote competitive advantage?
We see a lot of the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) this year. Why? Is there something in our environment that encouraged its success? We haven't seen a decrease in squirrels, blue jays, or hawks that threaten adults and young. I don't know if the food supply, changes in pesticide use, or milder winters have helped the 'wild canary.'
1. Academics. Strong academic performance keeps some students home and engaged.
2. Facilities. Our community has a terrific gymnasium with exceptional lighting.
3. Coaching. Programs with superior coaching have a distinct advantage in attracting and retaining players.
4. Tradition. "Tradition never graduates." Tradition works until it doesn't.
5. Visibility. Winning teams with strong schedules attract media attention which can help both team and player recognition and awards.
6. Developmental programs. Travel teams, offseason workouts, and access to strength and conditioning programs all disrupt the level playing field.
Lagniappe 2: "Draw 2"
The ability to "Draw 2" is a key basketball skill. Celtics' guards Marcus Smart and Brad Wanamaker repeat the action on the same play.
