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The Memo: How the Classified Military Document That Helped the U.S. Win WWII Can Help You Succeed in Business
The Memo reveals how to succeed in business using the covert WWII strategy that ultimately led to the Allied victory.
Much is known about how the atomic bomb helped the United States achieve final victory in World War II. However, little is known about a weapon that was, perhaps, even more powerful—a memo. Classified as “Restricted” by the U.S. War Department, “The Memo” contained a management doctrine under the subject of “Completed Staff Work." This memo turned military command structure on its head and focused on the power of staff instead of their commanders. Simply put, instead of relying on senior leaders to think up solutions and then order staff officers to implement them, , aides would be charged with presenting fully developed solutions, which command could approve.
Now declassified, The Memo holds valuable lessons that will help anyone advance in his or her career. The Memo emphasizes leadership and followership, and shows aspiring employees how to advance by employing the power of teamwork to make their leaders successful.
Much is known about how the atomic bomb helped the United States achieve final victory in World War II. However, little is known about a weapon that was, perhaps, even more powerful—a memo. Classified as “Restricted” by the U.S. War Department, “The Memo” contained a management doctrine under the subject of “Completed Staff Work." This memo turned military command structure on its head and focused on the power of staff instead of their commanders. Simply put, instead of relying on senior leaders to think up solutions and then order staff officers to implement them, , aides would be charged with presenting fully developed solutions, which command could approve.
Now declassified, The Memo holds valuable lessons that will help anyone advance in his or her career. The Memo emphasizes leadership and followership, and shows aspiring employees how to advance by employing the power of teamwork to make their leaders successful.
272 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2017
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May 29, 2022
Completed Staff Work
A yellowed copy of "The Memo" was taped to the center column of my battalion's S3 shop when I arrived at my first unit 22 years ago and I have carried it with me since. Yoest provides insights on the value of "Completed Staff Work" for both leaders and followers in an organization and how to move to a point where teammates can operate independently while reporting often (Level 5 Initiative ~ Collins) Until Otherwise Directed (UnODir). I appreciated his discussion on control measures (deadlines, scoping documents, range poles) and how they actually help promote creativity and get better results. As a professor at the Catholic University of America, Yoest readily cites examples from scripture to reinforce his lessons throughout the book which may detract from its reading for those looking for a more secular overview.
A yellowed copy of "The Memo" was taped to the center column of my battalion's S3 shop when I arrived at my first unit 22 years ago and I have carried it with me since. Yoest provides insights on the value of "Completed Staff Work" for both leaders and followers in an organization and how to move to a point where teammates can operate independently while reporting often (Level 5 Initiative ~ Collins) Until Otherwise Directed (UnODir). I appreciated his discussion on control measures (deadlines, scoping documents, range poles) and how they actually help promote creativity and get better results. As a professor at the Catholic University of America, Yoest readily cites examples from scripture to reinforce his lessons throughout the book which may detract from its reading for those looking for a more secular overview.
Displaying 1 of 1 review