Team of Teams: In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of management and leadership, staying ahead requires a new approach. General Stanley McChrystal’s book, “Team of Teams,” offers a refreshing perspective on how organizations can adapt and thrive in today’s complex landscape. Drawing from his experience as the commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), McChrystal shares invaluable insights on leadership, trust-building, and the power of collaboration.
“Team of Teams” challenges traditional notions of hierarchical structures and emphasizes the need for organizations to embrace more decentralized decision-making processes. Through captivating storytelling and real-life examples, McChrystal takes readers on a journey of transformation as he explains the shift from a traditional command and control model to a dynamic and interconnected network of teams.
This book summary will delve into the key chapters of “Team of Teams,” highlighting the principles and practices that can help create adaptive and resilient organizations. Whether you are a manager, a leader, or simply interested in understanding how to navigate the complexities of the modern world, this summary will provide you with valuable insights and practical strategies to unlock the full potential of your teams. Get ready to explore a new way of thinking and leading as we embark on this transformative journey with General Stanley McChrystal.
Team of Teams: Chapter Wise Summary
General Stanley McChrystal, a former United States Army General, wrote the book “Team of Teams” to share his experience and insights on leadership and effective collaboration in a rapidly changing world. As the commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), McChrystal encountered challenges that required a paradigm shift in the way teams operate. In this book, he explores the principles and practices behind creating a truly adaptive and interconnected organization.
McChrystal states, “In today’s world, the best leaders communicate constantly and transparently, show trust in their teams, and encourage decision-making at the lowest possible level”. This sets the tone for the book’s central theme: the importance of decentralization and empowering teams to make decisions based on shared consciousness.
The author draws on his experiences as the commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to provide real-world examples of the limitations of hierarchy. He recounts the challenges faced by JSOC during the Iraq War, where they were unable to effectively respond to the rapidly evolving tactics of Al Qaeda due to information silos and a slow decision-making process.
McChrystal emphasizes the need for organizations to evolve and adapt, stating, “We needed to become something different, something more adaptable, something that could match the speed and scale of the world’s challenges”. He describes how JSOC transformed from a traditional hierarchical structure to a network of teams, emphasizing the importance of shared consciousness and decentralized decision-making.
To illustrate the power of decentralized decision-making, McChrystal recounts an anecdote from the Battle of Tora Bora in Afghanistan. He explains how a lower-ranking soldier on the ground was able to make a crucial decision that ultimately led to the capture of a high-value target. This example demonstrates the importance of empowering individuals at all levels of an organization to contribute their expertise and make decisions based on the information available to them.
McChrystal concludes the chapter by highlighting the need for leaders to embrace a new mindset: “Leaders must let go of the traditional command-and-control model, instead embracing a team of teams approach that fosters trust, collaboration, and adaptability”. He lays the foundation for the rest of the book, where he will delve deeper into the principles and practices of creating effective team-based organizations.
Chapter 2: The Evolution of Change
McChrystal starts by highlighting the traditional hierarchical approach to management which, while effective in the past, has become too slow and rigid to address the complexities of the modern world. He emphasizes the need for organizations to evolve, adapt, and embrace a more flexible structure that pushes decision-making down to the lowest level possible. This allows teams to respond quickly and effectively to rapidly changing circumstances.
McChrystal begins by highlighting the inherent limitations of traditional hierarchies: “Hierarchy works well in stable environments where tasks are routine and predictable, but it is a disaster in the complex world we face today”. He emphasizes that in a fast-paced and interconnected world, organizations need to be able to respond swiftly to changing circumstances.
To illustrate this point, McChrystal uses the example of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he served as the commander. He describes how the traditional military hierarchy struggled to address the challenges posed by the insurgency in Iraq. The hierarchical structure hindered the flow of information and decision-making process, preventing the organization from effectively adapting to the rapidly changing dynamics on the ground.
Quoting from the book, McChrystal says, “Directed targeting worked against a nonhierarchical enemy because it couldn’t keep pace with the constantly shifting players and landscape”. This highlights the need for a different approach—one that enables agility and collaboration.
To overcome these challenges, McChrystal argues for the adoption of a “team of teams” model. He explains that by breaking down traditional silos and fostering interconnectedness between teams, organizations can harness the collective intelligence and expertise to solve complex problems. “We discovered that connecting people in a way that promoted transparent sharing of information actually made us more operationally effective,” he writes.
Drawing on his experiences, McChrystal provides an example of how the team of teams model was implemented within JSOC. The organization established daily video teleconferences, known as the “fusion cell,” where representatives from different operational units and intelligence agencies came together to share information and collaborate. By creating a shared understanding and aligning efforts, they were able to adapt quickly and effectively to the changing environment.
Chapter 3: Sharing Information
The author emphasizes the importance of shared consciousness across teams. He explains how information sharing and transparency are vital for effective coordination and decision-making. McChrystal introduces the concept of a “Shared Consciousness” and discusses the need for leaders to create an environment that promotes open communication and breaks down information silos.
McChrystal states, “Shared consciousness depends on shared information.” He explains that in traditional hierarchies, information tends to flow vertically, with commanders deciding what information is shared with their subordinates. This results in information silos and a lack of transparency, hindering collaboration and adaptability.
The author provides an example from his time in Iraq, during the fight against Al Qaeda. He shares how intelligence gathered by different units within his command was compartmentalized, preventing the comprehensive analysis necessary to fully understand the enemy. This lack of shared information hampered effective decision-making and coordination.
To overcome these challenges, McChrystal promotes the use of technology as a means to facilitate information sharing. He discusses how his command implemented a digital platform called “Vanguard” to connect the various units and provide real-time and shared access to intelligence information. This allowed for a broader understanding of the operational environment and enabled more effective collaboration across teams.
However, McChrystal acknowledges that technology alone cannot solve the problem. He emphasizes the need for a cultural shift that encourages openness and a willingness to share information. He states, “Information-sharing comes from creating a sense of collective responsibility.” Leaders must foster an environment where team members understand the importance of sharing information and trust that their contributions are valued.
The author shares an example of how this cultural shift was achieved within his command. He describes how they conducted daily video conferences, called “Battle Rhythm,” where representatives from different units shared information and participated in collaborative discussions. These sessions served as a platform for sharing knowledge, breaking down information silos, and building trust among team members.
McChrystal also addresses the challenges of sharing information in a complex and rapidly changing environment. He acknowledges that information overload can be a problem and emphasizes the need for leaders to filter and prioritize the information that is shared. This requires leaders to have a deep understanding of the organization’s objectives and ensure that the shared information aligns with those goals.
Chapter 4: Building Trust
Building trust is crucial for any successful team. McChrystal explores the challenges of building trust in a rapidly changing environment where traditional hierarchies may hinder collaboration. He shares his experiences in cultivating trust among diverse teams and outlines the importance of decentralized decision-making, empowering every individual to contribute their skills and expertise.
McChrystal highlights the need for decentralized decision-making in order to create trust and empower teams. He states, “In an environment of trust, individuals will forge intricate webs of interdependent relationships, creating the organizations that can master complexity.” This emphasizes how trust enables teams to work together seamlessly, relying on each other’s expertise and judgment.
To illustrate the impact of trust, McChrystal shares the story of Sergeant John Chrispin, a senior member of his team. Despite Chrispin’s rank, McChrystal entrusted him with the authority to make critical decisions in the field. This display of trust not only elevated Chrispin’s confidence, but also motivated him to excel and take ownership of his responsibilities. This example underscores how trust can unleash individual potential and drive superior performance.
McChrystal also emphasizes the importance of transparency in building trust. He states, “The existence of privilege and status makes truth even harder to surface. It is a fundamental problem that arises when humans work together in any endeavor of scale.” This highlights the negative impact of hierarchies and the importance of breaking down barriers to foster open communication and trust.
To further illustrate the significance of transparency, McChrystal relates the story of how intelligence sharing played a crucial role in combating Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). He explains how sharing intelligence across previously isolated departments allowed for a holistic understanding of the organization, leading to more effective and coordinated operations. This example underscores how trust and information sharing are interconnected, reinforcing the need for transparency in building a successful team of teams.
In addition to decentralized decision-making and transparency, McChrystal emphasizes the role of leaders in cultivating trust. He quotes Admiral Vern Clark, former Chief of Naval Operations, who said, “Leadership is not just about proficiency in tasks. It is incumbent on a leader to continually demonstrate his or her credibility, commitment, and integrity.” This emphasizes the importance of leaders consistently exhibiting trustworthiness in order to inspire trust among their teams.
McChrystal also shares his own experience in building trust among diverse teams. When he assumed command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), he recognized the need to bridge the gap between the traditional military culture and the unique skills of Special Operations forces. Through open communication, shared purpose, and mutual respect, McChrystal successfully fostered trust and collaboration within his organization.
Chapter 5: Empowering Execution
In this chapter, McChrystal delves into the implementation of decentralized decision-making. He explains how empowering teams to make decisions based on shared consciousness and trust allows for faster and more effective execution. The author provides examples of how empowered teams can adapt and innovate in real-time, leading to superior outcomes in complex situations.
McChrystal begins by sharing an insightful quote from former football coach Bill Walsh: “The score takes care of itself.” This quote encapsulates the idea that when teams are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work, the desired outcomes will naturally follow. It highlights the importance of trust in the execution process.
To illustrate the power of empowered execution, McChrystal recounts his experience leading JSOC. He shares the story of an operation to capture a high-value target in Iraq, where a team of Navy SEALs had the opportunity to execute a crucial mission. Despite encountering unforeseen challenges and having to deviate from the original plan, the empowered team adapted in real-time, leading to a successful outcome.
McChrystal also emphasizes the role of trust in empowering execution. He provides the example of a highly successful airline, Southwest Airlines, where employees are given significant autonomy and decision-making power. By trusting their employees’ judgment, Southwest has fostered a culture of quick decision-making, leading to efficient operations and excellent customer service.
The author further explores the concept of empowering execution by discussing the importance of pushing decision-making down to the lowest level possible. He highlights the success of the Joint Multi-National Readiness Center (JMRC), where junior officers were encouraged to make decisions autonomously during training exercises. This approach allowed the organization to identify and address operational issues promptly while enhancing the decision-making skills of the junior officers.
McChrystal also emphasizes the need to balance empowerment with sufficient guidance and clarity. He shares the example of Zappos, an online shoe retailer, where employees have the freedom to handle customer interactions however they see fit. However, the organization provides clear guidelines and a strong corporate culture to ensure that employees make customer-centric decisions in line with the company’s values.
Creating shared consciousness requires more than just technology and information-sharing systems. McChrystal explains that it involves fostering an environment where individuals and teams actively seek out diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and engage in continuous learning. He emphasizes the role of leaders in promoting a culture of open dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning.
McChrystal highlights the critical role of leaders in promoting a culture of open dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning. He asserts, “The leader must encourage cross organizational collaboration and the sharing of information and knowledge. Leaders must personally model the importance of sharing information openly and making it available to others.” This demonstrates that leaders must lead by example and actively encourage transparency and information sharing within their teams.
To illustrate the concept of creating shared consciousness, McChrystal provides a relevant example from his own experience. He recounts an incident where a member of his team discovered valuable information during a routine patrol, but the information did not reach the right people in a timely manner due to the existing silos and lack of communication channels. This incident highlights the importance of breaking down information silos and creating systems that facilitate the flow of information across teams.
The author also emphasizes the need to challenge assumptions and actively seek out diverse perspectives. McChrystal writes, “Leaders should encourage the creation of an environment that challenges each individual’s assumptions… Leaders should promote the exchange of ideas and opinions to facilitate creative thinking and problem-solving.” By fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to question their own assumptions and seek out different viewpoints, organizations can tap into the collective intelligence of their teams and make more informed decisions.
To further illustrate the importance of shared consciousness, McChrystal refers to the General Electric (GE) turnaround under the leadership of Jack Welch. Welch embraced the idea that leaders should make an effort to understand the challenges and innovation happening in different divisions of the company. By actively seeking input from various teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, Welch created an environment where knowledge and ideas flowed freely across the organization, enabling GE to stay competitive and relevant.
Chapter 7: Leading Teams of Teams
McChrystal explores the challenges and unique attributes of leading teams of teams in dynamic environments. He emphasizes the need for leaders to relinquish their traditional command-and-control mindset and instead focus on creating a sense of purpose, building trust, and empowering their teams. The author provides practical advice on effective leadership strategies that enable organizations to thrive in complex and uncertain times.
McChrystal begins by stating, “In most traditional organizations, midlevel leaders are processors of information, filters who dull its sharp edges and impose hierarchical order.” He highlights how this hierarchical structure can hinder effective collaboration and decision-making in today’s rapidly changing world.
To successfully lead teams of teams, McChrystal emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of shared purpose. He quotes Nelson Mandela, stating, “A leader… is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow.”
The author shares an example from his experience in Iraq, where he was able to build a shared purpose among diverse teams by focusing on a common goal – “defeating Al-Qaeda in Iraq.” By aligning all teams towards this purpose, they were able to overcome their individual differences and work together as a cohesive unit.
Another key aspect of leading teams of teams is building trust. McChrystal explains that trust is essential for effective collaboration and decision-making. He quotes George Washington, who said, “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder,” emphasizing the importance of selecting team members who are trustworthy and aligned with the organization’s values.
McChrystal shares an anecdote from his time as the commander of JSOC, where he faced challenges in building trust among different units with conflicting priorities. By creating shared experiences, such as joint training exercises and real-time information sharing, he was able to bridge the trust gap and foster a sense of unity among the teams.
Empowering teams is another crucial element highlighted in this chapter. McChrystal stresses the importance of decentralizing decision-making and empowering individuals at all levels of the organization. He quotes Admiral David Farragut, who famously said, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”
The author shares an example of how empowering teams can lead to innovative solutions. In one instance, a disconnected team member with expertise in supply chain management was able to identify inefficiencies and propose a new decentralized approach, leading to significant improvements in logistics and operations.
McChrystal also acknowledges the challenges of leading teams of teams, such as maintaining cohesion and communication across diverse units. He provides insights on creating a “team of teams” structure, where leaders act as connectors and facilitators, rather than controlling each unit individually.
Maintaining shared consciousness is an ongoing process that requires constant effort. McChrystal discusses the importance of continuous feedback, learning, and adaptation to sustain a team of teams. He highlights the need for leaders to foster a culture of shared purpose, trust, and collaboration, while also anticipating and addressing potential challenges that may arise.
McChrystal quotes Peter Senge, stating, “The only sustainable competitive advantage is an organization’s ability to learn faster than the competition.” This highlights the need for organizations to continuously learn and adapt in order to stay ahead in today’s complex world.
The author goes on to discuss the challenges of sustaining shared consciousness, particularly in large and decentralized organizations. He emphasizes the need for leaders to foster a culture of continuous learning and feedback, where individuals and teams actively seek out and share information. He exclaims, “No single node or leader can ever know all that is required for effective action, and therefore collective efforts must be cultivated, supported, and even demanded.”
McChrystal shares an example from his experience in combating Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). He describes how AQI was able to quickly adapt and respond to the actions of the Coalition forces because of their highly interconnected and agile network. He explains that to counter this, the Coalition had to establish a network of their own, where information was rapidly shared and decision-making was decentralized. This allowed them to respond effectively to the changing tactics of their adversary.
The author also discusses the benefits of sustaining shared consciousness in terms of organizational resilience and innovation. He mentions that by maintaining a collective understanding of the organization’s purpose and goals, teams are better equipped to make autonomous decisions that align with the overall mission. McChrystal states, “Teams rooted in shared consciousness desire the success of the team more than individual advancement, fostering an environment where leaps of innovation can occur.”
To sustain shared consciousness, McChrystal suggests several strategies. He highlights the importance of leadership support in cultivating a culture of open communication, trust, and collaboration. The author also emphasizes the role of technologies and processes that enable the efficient sharing and dissemination of information. However, he cautions that these tools alone are not sufficient. He writes, “Technology cannot enable shared consciousness by itself – people and culture must embrace it.”
Chapter 9: Conclusion
In the final chapter, McChrystal reiterates the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of modern organizations. He emphasizes that creating a team of teams is not a one-time fix, but a continuous journey that requires constant reflection, learning, and improvement. The author concludes by urging leaders to embrace the principles and practices outlined in the book in order to build organizations that can thrive in an ever-changing world.
McChrystal begins by reiterating the challenges faced by traditional hierarchical organizations, stating, “The slow, top-down, hierarchical bureaucracy created in the 20th century is incapable of dealing with the complexity and speed of the 21st-century world”.
He highlights the importance of constantly reflecting on the organization’s purpose and adjusting its strategies accordingly. Quoting Peter Drucker, he states, “The only valid purpose of a firm is to create a customer.” McChrystal emphasizes that every decision made by the organization should align with this purpose, driving the team towards better outcomes.
The author stresses the significance of continuous feedback and learning within the team of teams. He mentions the example of how, during his time at JSOC, they held daily morning video conferences to ensure all teams were sharing information, solving problems collectively, and aligning their efforts around a common purpose. By fostering open dialogue and real-time communication, they were able to synchronize their actions and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
McChrystal discusses the concept of “Red Teaming,” a practice in which teams consciously challenge assumptions and test their strategies. He highlights the importance of inviting divergent perspectives and encouraging constructive criticism. By testing their assumptions through red teaming, organizations can uncover potential blind spots and make better-informed decisions.
The author emphasizes that sustaining shared consciousness requires leaders to actively foster a culture of collaboration and learning. He quotes martial artist Bruce Lee, saying, “Be like water, my friend.” McChrystal explains that leaders should encourage their teams to be adaptable, agile, and open to change. This flexibility is key to maintaining a shared consciousness that enables the team to respond effectively to new challenges.
McChrystal also addresses the potential challenges and pitfalls that organizations may face while transitioning to a team of teams model. He warns of the “tyranny of structurelessness,” where too much decentralization can lead to a lack of accountability and coordination. He advises leaders to strike the right balance between autonomy and alignment, ensuring that shared goals are consistently pursued.
Team of Teams: Conclusion
In “Team of Teams,” General Stanley McChrystal provides valuable insights into the challenges of leadership and collaboration in today’s complex and constantly changing world. He emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt, build trust, empower teams, and foster a shared consciousness. By sharing his experiences and practical strategies, McChrystal offers a roadmap for creating effective and agile teams that can thrive in dynamic environments
Samrat is a Delhi-based MBA from the Indian Institute of Management. He is a Strategy, AI, and Marketing Enthusiast and passionately writes about core and emerging topics in Management studies. Reach out to his LinkedIn for a discussion or follow his Quora Page