It helps to know who is in charge. This is particularly true in the military and para-military government organizations. To outsiders this seems a tempest in a tea cup, but very specific and often powerful authorities come with being a particular person in a particular position. This is illustrative of what can happen when people get careless or in so many cases try to get too clever.

You see this in a lot of allegedly info-centric organizations think that in the info age “everyone does” info age tasks. Predictably, the result isn’t better and more effective knowledge work, but a lot less of it (so much easier to punt a job that to take ownership). Another data point to consider when the next seasoned, industrial age “leader” takes the reigns of your shop.

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.