The Art of Action: How Leaders Close the Gaps between Plans, Actions, and Results

by Stephen Bungay

The Prussian Army needed to get cleverer and faster. Of the three fundamental variables in warfare – force, space, and time – lost forces could be replaced and lost space could be recaptured, but lost time could never be made good. It was essential to take actions which were about right quickly, rather than waiting to be told what to do. The only way of doing so was to develop a professional officer corps with the ability, authority, and willingness to take decisions in real time. With the introduction of general conscription in 1808, the officer ranks were officially opened to all, regardless of social position, and promotion was driven by performance rather than years of service.7 So it was that the transformation of the Prussian Army began with people and culture, spearheaded by officer selection and training.