Rapid advances in information technology have drastically altered the world of intelligence gathering and the war fighter. Data, once available only to analysts, can now be found real-time on the internet and cable TV. Decisions that once could only be made by “boots on the ground” now commonly involve multiple observers in multiple locations.

No common Mission/Vision adequately captured the global activities of Wing and Squadron Commanders or provided guidance for a range of “sensor to shooter” decisions. Previous attempts to develop a common vision had generated generic “mom and apple pie” responses and ended in frustration. They sounded good, but weren’t really useful for much. A new approach was needed that would be specific enough to provide decision-making guidance for subordinates to make intelligent decisions in the absence of their superior officers.

Group Solutions was engaged to provide process design, technology and facilitation for a series of conferences that included more than 75 Wing Commanders and their direct reports.

Participants were guided through a facilitated process of mission/vision/values creation. The results were then evaluated in a series of scenarios to rate each element’s value in guiding difficult, real-world choices. The team debated and reached strong consensus on actionable mission/vision/values priorities that were relevant to guiding decisions.

Anonymous input and real time polling of the participants removed a natural tendency to “play to the boss” and lead to development of a strong support and understanding for the mission, vision and values of the Wing.

Feedback on the process and methodology was extremely strong. A recurring theme from the group was “This is the best approach I have ever seen for capturing input from 80 Type-A personalities.”