Navigating Complexity with Clarity

My Journey with the Asymmetric Warfare Group’s Problem-Solving Methodology

A Question from a Friend

Recently, a friend asked me about my process for making sense of things. This question transported me back to my days with the Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG), where I first encountered a methodology that would profoundly shape my approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning and Adopting a Methodology

During my time with the AWG, I was introduced to a structured yet flexible approach to problem-solving: “Observe and Collect – Assess and Develop – Disseminate and Integrate.” This methodology was not just another set of steps to follow; it was a mindset that emphasized thoroughness, adaptability, and clarity. I didn’t just adopt this approach; I internalized it and have since been passing it on to my clients, helping them navigate complex challenges with greater ease and confidence.

Why a Framework Matters

In leadership and problem-solving, having a framework is vital. It’s like having a compass in a dense forest; it provides direction and keeps you oriented towards your goal. Without a framework, we risk getting lost in the myriad details and challenges that emerge in any complex scenario.

Simple yet Complete

While there are numerous problem-solving methodologies out there, and it’s important to find the one that resonates with you and your team, I have found this particular approach to be both simple and complete. It starts with the end in mind, a lesson I learned from General Stan McChrystal, ensuring that every step taken is aligned with the ultimate goal.

1. Observe and Collect: The Foundation of Understanding

In this phase, you should gather information extensively. This step is about understanding what you know, what you need to know, and even what you haven’t considered yet. It’s a thorough exploration that lays the groundwork for informed decision-making.

2. Assess and Develop: Aligning Information with Goals

Here, you must reassess your goal in light of the collected information. If there’s a mismatch, either seek more data or adapt the goal based on new insights. This flexibility is key to staying relevant and effective.

3. Disseminate and Integrate: Sharing Knowledge

The most challenging yet crucial part is communicating what you’ve learned. This involves breaking down complex information into digestible parts, ensuring your team can easily grasp and apply the insights.

Making Sense of the World: Finding Clarity Without a Defined End State

Even when there isn’t a specific end state in mind, this process aids in making sense of the world around us. It’s a way of organizing thoughts and considering various facets of a situation or a problem.

In many scenarios in life, particularly in the complex realms of leadership and strategic planning, we encounter situations where the end state isn’t clearly defined. In these instances, the “Observe and Collect – Assess and Develop – Disseminate and Integrate” methodology takes on an even more pivotal role. It acts not just as a path to a known destination but as a tool for exploration and discovery, helping us navigate through ambiguity to uncover potential objectives and end states.

When the final goal is unclear, the initial phase of ‘Observing and Collecting’ becomes a journey of open-ended exploration. Here, we gather diverse perspectives, data, and insights without the confines of a pre-defined objective. This expansive gathering of information allows us to see beyond our usual boundaries, challenging preconceptions and uncovering hidden opportunities.

As we move to ‘Assess and Develop’, we begin to sift through this wealth of information. This is where patterns start to emerge, and previously unseen connections are made. It’s an iterative process of synthesizing information, where potential end states start to crystallize. This phase is crucial for its role in shaping a direction from what initially seemed directionless. It’s about crafting a vision from the myriad of information pieces we have collected.

Finally, in ‘Disseminate and Integrate’, we share these newfound possibilities with others. This step is vital for two reasons: it tests the viability of our potential end states through feedback and collaboration, and it helps others visualize and understand the journey from ambiguity to clarity. It’s a process that not only aids in defining a potential end state but also ensures that this end state is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the situation and shared by those involved.

In essence, this methodology is not just a problem-solving tool; it’s a lens through which we can view and make sense of the world, especially in situations where the destination is not immediately apparent. It empowers us to navigate through uncertainty, uncover potential goals, and chart a course towards them, turning ambiguity into opportunity and confusion into clarity.

Embracing Adaptability and Learning: A Philosophy

This methodology is more than a tool; it’s a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. It has not only guided me through numerous challenges but has also been a beacon for those I’ve had the privilege to lead and advise. In a world that’s constantly changing, having a clear, adaptable framework for problem-solving isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.

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This first appeared in The Havok Journal on December 22, 2023.

J.C. served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer for 20 years, primarily in special operations and special missions units with more than 11 combat tours. Since retiring from the military, JC has brought his innovative and unconventional thoughts on education, leadership and resiliency into the private sector, consulting with Fortune 500 companies, the NFL, NBA, NCAA and professional sports teams including the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets.

He holds a Masters Degree from the Naval War College and was a Senior Fellow in the Service Chief’s Fellowship at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

He has earned 3 Bronze Stars, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Commendation Medal, and  the Order of Saint Maurice. He is a Liberty Fellow, a part of The Aspen Institute and the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.