Think back to the last time you were part of a planning group. Who did people listen to the most? Who ran that show? Was there a lot of talk and no action? Did you want to get things moving because as the PAO you understand strategic impact? If so, be first to the whiteboard.
I learned this during a planning session for a large exercise my unit was supporting. I was the combat camera planner. There was a lot of worthless back and forth between key units participating. We were having a hard time planning out the basics until a Major grabbed a marker and started mapping thoughts out on a whiteboard. As soon as he made the first mark, he was in control and things started rolling. It was amazing! Shit got done.
My team was trying to plan a quick mission to support a humanitarian response operation. We had less than a day to plan and get our troops out the door with the proper supplies. People were talking, but no one was writing. I grabbed a marker and whiteboard and started mapping things out. Next thing we know, half the unit is pitching ideas. The commander came in, the plan was briefed, and the team was out the door.
How to support the commander’s new communication objectives? Whiteboard it out. Brainstorm with your team. Display it in your office and ask the J3 or J2 for input when they swing by for coffee.
Whiteboarding provides a visual and transparency between the group. It helps you and your team be efficient and effective toward a solution. So when you have those great ideas and you want to get shit done, be first to the whiteboard.
Photo by: Javier Chagoya
