I learn a ton from studying history, not so much from reading the leadership candy offered in today’s best seller category. This is no surprise to those frequent readers of this rant. Friedman and his magnum opus, A Failure of Nerve, is the only “leadership” book I demand my clients digest. None of them like it upon first reading. Like C.S. Lewis, you gotta read Friedman four times to begin to catch him.
Back to history lessons. Pressfield’s latest book, The Lions Gate was loaded with ’em. Here’s one for your easy digestion today. As the war progressed over the course of 7 intense days (6 day war lasted 7 days), the commands from Dayan and his leadership team followed a very specific pattern – they got shorter and shorter and shorter. Here’s why. Humans are easily overwhelmed. Even the best of the best get overwhelmed in the heat of battle. Your team is no different. Your job, as a leader, is to make sure your few commands are ccd (clear, concise, and direct) and even more so as the distressors go up.
Less is more, my friend. Less is more. Dayan, by day 7, was giving commands that were very specific and usually less than 7 words. How about you?
BUILT TO LEAD 
Thank you Chet for your words of wisdom. Your blog posts are rivaling Seth Godin, not always in length, but definitely is usable lessons applicable to a multitude of situations.
Best, Pam (one of Kary’s tribe)