What could your organization do to add “a little rudder far from the rocks” to prevent needing “a lot of rudder next to the rocks”?

I think instituting a battle rhythm and remaining disciplined to the battle rhythm could go a long way in providing the small course corrections necessary to remain on azimuth. What I oftentimes see is the development of a battle rhythm, but a lack of follow through in executing the battle rhythm because other tasks take priority in the short term.

This type of thinking has detrimental long term effects. By not executing the battle rhythm on a regular basis, units allow small tasks to accumulate while the tasks are still seemingly innocuous. Over time, those innocuous small tasks move to the fore and become an emergency when the suspense looms near.

Battle rhythms are a simple activity that allow leaders to tackle problems before they can become dire situations, as well as an opportunity to develop analysis to preempt requirements that will have an impact on their subordinates. Furthermore, the battle rhythm is the foundation of a team’s discipline and allows subordinates some level of predictability in otherwise tumultuous times.