Chapter 66
Chaos in the Fog of War
On our right flank commanded by Bagratión, at nine o’clock the battle had not yet begun. Not wishing to agree to Dolgorúkov’s demand to commence the action, and wishing to avert responsibility from himself, Prince Bagratión proposed to Dolgorúkov to send to inquire of the commander in chief. Bagratión knew that as the distance between the two flanks was more than six miles, even if the messenger were not killed (which he very likely would be), and found the commander in chief (which would be very difficult), he would not be able to get back before evening. Bagratión cast his…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Impossible Assignment
Think of a time when you were given a task that seemed important but felt impossible to complete successfully. Map out who would benefit if you succeeded versus who would take blame if you failed. Write down three questions you wish you had asked before accepting the assignment.
Consider:
- •Was the person giving the assignment taking any personal risk if it failed?
- •Did you have the actual authority and resources needed to succeed?
- •Were you chosen because of your skills or because you were expendable?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a situation where your eagerness to prove yourself might have made you an easy target for someone else's agenda. How would you handle it differently now?
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