Mission Command in Reality: Don Vandergriff on Building Thinking Leaders

Mission command isn’t a process—it’s a culture.In this episode, Mike Jones is joined by Don Vandergriff, retired military leader and pioneer of outcomes-based learning, to explore what mission command really looks like in practice. Far from a doctrinal buzzword, it’s about building trust, empowering people, and creating space for thinking leaders.Don draws on decades of experience to show why control, ego, and risk aversion are the enemies of adaptability—and how learning must be active, informal, and continuous. From Von Moltke to tactical decision games, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone leading in complexity.If you want to stop managing and start developing real leadership, this one’s for you.🔍 In this episode:Why mission command is about culture, not command structuresThe critical role of trust, intent, and empowermentHow constraints and control kill initiativeWhy most After Action Reviews are brokenUsing historical insights to shape modern leadershipHow to build critical thinking and initiative with decision games🎧 Keywords: mission command, leadership, trust, empowerment, military culture, decision-making, adaptability, learning, critical thinking, Von Moltke📘 Learn more about Don’s work: https://donvandergriff.substack.com/Send Mike a MessageEnjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favourite platform — it helps more people find the podcast.🔗 Full episodes, show notes, and resources: https://www.lbiconsulting.com/strategymeetsreality-podcast📺 Watch on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@StrategyMeetsRealityConnect with host Mike Jones → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-h-jones/