7: Collaboration in a VUCA Environment

When I arrived in Iraq, the multinational coalition was not faring well against the insurgency. The challenge was not so much with the tactical units in the field. Those closest to the problem tended to collaborate, especially when they squarely faced the threat at close range. Farther away from the fight, however, turf battles became more prevalent. Moreover, our elusive competition, which operated like a loose network, took advantage of the organizational gaps and seams within our more traditional command and control structure. We had to change the way we operated if we were going to turn the tide of the conflict.