Eventually a rule of thumb emerged: “If something supports our effort, as long as it is not immoral or illegal,” you could do it. Soon, I found that the question I most often asked my force was “What do you need?” We decentralized until it made us uncomfortable, and it was right there—on the brink of instability—that we found our sweet spot. There were growing pains. Some subordinate leaders tried to hold authority at their level, and on a number of occasions I had to confirm to partner agencies or units that a decision voiced by someone in the Task Force had my approval. Often, I was hearing
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