I know in the book the author takes a very negative view of the ‘whatever they tell me to do’ and I think you rightly point out it can be a key indicator of poor morale and motivation.

Still, I wonder if there still isn’t some value in it at some level.  I mean, we want ‘disciplined initiative’ – not insubordination or going on your own program.  It’s one thing for a subordinate to look for ways to improve upon your orders within intent.  It’s quite another to operate outside the commander’s intent or to disregard orders.

I think those are still dangers in any organization so ‘whatever they tell me’ is still much better than ‘whatever I feel like.’