Chapter 282
When Orders Come From Above
The Russian army was commanded by Kutúzov and his staff, and also by the Emperor from Petersburg. Before the news of the abandonment of Moscow had been received in Petersburg, a detailed plan of the whole campaign had been drawn up and sent to Kutúzov for his guidance. Though this plan had been drawn up on the supposition that Moscow was still in our hands, it was approved by the staff and accepted as a basis for action. Kutúzov only replied that movements arranged from a distance were always difficult to execute. So fresh instructions were sent for the solution…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Authority Trap
Think of someone you know who has authority but seems constantly frustrated or forced into bad decisions. Draw a simple diagram showing all the different groups or forces pushing them in different directions. Include bosses, subordinates, customers, regulations, budgets, and deadlines. Then identify which pressures conflict with each other and create impossible situations.
Consider:
- •Look for pressures that directly contradict each other
- •Notice which demands come with the biggest consequences for non-compliance
- •Consider how timing makes some pressures more urgent than others
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to make a decision you knew was wrong because of outside pressures. What were those pressures, and how did you handle the situation? What would you do differently now?
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