The above quote is one of my favorite military-related quotes credited to Helmuth von Moltke. It speaks directly for the need to build margins in our operations and people to better handle the unpredictability of real-world situations. This is true especially in fields where human behavior plays a significant role in a system that inherently produces surprise; Complex Adaptive System (CAS). This system produces surprises which cannot be predicted hence creativity and improvision is a major source of success when interacting in or with it. This system according to Ivan Pupulidy, PhD & Crista Vesel, MSc(2023) is made up of human agents that process and make sense of information with the capacity to modify their behavior based on knowledge and feedback in real time.
With this in mind we must understand that in any scenario whether it is on the battlefield or work environment our people must continuously adjust, improvise, and make decisions that are not always reflected in the initial design of a plan. The military understands this hence they build teams to be adaptable while sticking to the goal. Lone Survivor is a powerful movie that illustrates how executing a mission in real life often differs from the original plan. While plans (SOP, procedures, policies) give direction, structure, and an initial framework towards a desired goal, they can never fully account for the complexities, obstacles, frustrations, and nuances encountered in real life situation.
Once we grasp the inherent unpredictability in any process, we come to terms with the fact that building margins (flexibility and resilience) outweighs rigidly following detailed plans. Plans (rules, procedures, and policies) cannot be written to address all the situations that people may face in real time. Margin then allows our people the space to adapt, think critically, and respond to unexpected challenges. On one hand, margins reflect the balance between planning and the ability to adapt when things change in real time. It acknowledges that while planning is essential in creating a roadmap to an end goal, rigidity in the face of change (surprise) is a vulnerability.
Success therefore often does not come solely from sticking to a plan at all cost, but from the ability to adapt it effectively when the unpredictable (surprise) happens. When workers have the freedom and psychological safety to adjust and make sense of situations in the moment, they can address unforeseen issues more effectively. Building margins is like having a buffer to manage uncertainty.
Pupulidy, I., & Vesel, C. (2023). Human & organization potential. Dynamic Inquiry LLC.
