Edward Fourquet’s Post

One of the most effective tools I used during my time in the Marine Corps was the **Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP)**. It’s a structured framework designed to create detailed, adaptable plans in highly complex environments. While originally built for military operations, the principles of MCPP are invaluable in the civilian world, particularly in business and organizational leadership. Here's how it translates: 1. **Problem Framing** Before making any decisions, you need to fully understand the problem. In business, this means conducting thorough market analysis, understanding customer needs, and identifying potential obstacles. Properly framing the problem ensures that you're solving the right issue. 2. **Course of Action (COA) Development** After defining the problem, develop multiple solutions (COAs) to address it. In the civilian world, this involves brainstorming and proposing different strategies for achieving goals. Exploring multiple options ensures you're not limiting your potential solutions. 3. **COA Wargaming** Once potential solutions are identified, it’s time to test them. In business, this could be through simulations, scenario planning, or financial forecasting. Wargaming each option helps identify strengths, weaknesses, risks, and opportunities in your plan. 4. **COA Comparison and Decision** After testing, compare your solutions to see which is most feasible and effective. Weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering resources, timelines, and risk management. Leaders need to make informed decisions that are best for the mission—whether it’s a business venture or a corporate strategy. 5. **Orders Development** Once a decision is made, develop a clear, actionable plan to execute it. This is akin to project planning in the civilian world. Create timelines, assign tasks, allocate resources, and ensure that everyone understands their roles. 6. **Transition** Finally, ensure a smooth transition from planning to execution. In business, this involves regular check-ins, adjusting as necessary, and communicating with stakeholders. Transitioning smoothly is key to turning strategy into action and achieving success. Whether you’re leading a startup, managing a team, or running a large corporation, the MCPP can provide a structured approach to problem-solving and strategic planning. By clearly defining problems, exploring multiple solutions, testing them, and executing decisively, you can create resilient and adaptable plans that lead to success. #Leadership #StrategicPlanning #MCPP #BusinessStrategy #ProblemSolving #

🔄Rapid execution at the operational level is a game-changer. 🔄 To truly excel, organizations must adopt frameworks that enable swift decision-making and action. One such framework is the OODA Loop—Observe, Orient, Decide, Act—developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd. Originally designed for military operations, this model is equally powerful in business and everyday life. The key to leveraging the OODA Loop effectively is to minimize the time between orienting, deciding, and acting. ⌛Instead of taking weeks, aim to make decisions within 24 hours. This approach allows for quicker adjustments and continuous improvement, rather than losing valuable time in prolonged deliberation. Consider a recent example from my own experience. During a business trip, I arrived at an unfamiliar terminal and faced a long security line, even at pre-check. Rather than waiting, I quickly pivoted to my usual terminal, passed through security, and reached my gate ahead of many who had stayed in line. This small but decisive action exemplifies the power of the OODA Loop: observe, orient, decide, and act swiftly. Challenge yourself and your team to adopt this mindset. Rapid execution and continuous adjustment can propel your organization to new heights of operational excellence. #teambuilding #leadership

💡 Give the "what" and let others create the "how." Throughout my military service, I have learned quite a lot – how to set up communication sites, 🌐 about the spectrum domain, 📊 project management, delivering presentations, the difference between RAM and ROM, and much more. But perhaps my most significant insight came from the responsibility of leading and commanding, especially young soldiers. As a commander, one of my biggest challenges was learning to let go. Instead of dictating exactly how to perform a task, I aimed to share its core essence. This was not easy, especially since I was ultimately responsible for the final results. However, I learned that true motivation arises when people feel ownership of their tasks and have the freedom to execute them in their own way. ✨ If I had dictated every step toward the goal, I would have wasted valuable time and hindered them from experiencing the responsibility and genuine contribution they could offer. Instead, I entrusted them with the responsibility, helped them understand its significance, encouraged them to propose solutions, and allowed them to be creative in their approach. While support and constructive feedback can be offered throughout the process, the sense of achievement and pride that comes from creating something themselves – is irreplaceable. 💪 And this insight isn’t just relevant in the military - it also applies to my role as a manager today. I have frequently encountered managers who dictate precisely how to perform each step, leaving no room for alternative approaches, personal adjustments, or creativity. I focus on clarifying the "what" and trusting my team to decide the "how." Do you have any additional tips for motivating peers and team members? #DesignLeadership #TeamEmpowerment #CreativeManagement #UXInsights

I know, I know here's Terrence with another Marine Corps analogy but honestly I spent 16 years in that establishment and I recognize how much I've gained and learned can be applied to creativity, brand strategy, business tactics, and life. So here's to another analogy 😂! Is your team as adaptable and resilient as a Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance unit, or do you struggle when plans go off course? Force Recon’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure is a lesson every business team can learn. On June 19, 1957, the Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance was activated, elite Marines trained to operate independently in hostile environments. Their success lies in their ability to gather intelligence and execute missions in rapidly changing, high-stakes situations with minimal support. In business, adaptability and resilience are just as essential for navigating uncertainty. Here’s how to foster this level of adaptability in your business team: 1. Develop Versatile Skill Sets ↳ Cross-train your team members in multiple roles and responsibilities to make them more versatile. ↳ Encourage continuous learning through courses, certifications, and new experiences. ↳ Provide opportunities for employees to work in different departments or diverse projects to broaden their expertise. 2. Empower Autonomous Decision-Making ↳ Just like Force Recon Marines operate independently, give your team clear objectives, but allow them flexibility in execution. ↳ Train team members to make decisions within their scope, fostering independence and accountability. ↳ Build a culture where calculated risk-taking is encouraged and supported, helping your team grow in confidence. 3. Build Resilience Through Scenario Training ↳ Run regular "war game" exercises—simulate potential business challenges and train your team to respond. ↳ Teach problem-solving methodologies that can be applied across diverse scenarios. ↳ After facing real-world challenges, debrief and extract lessons to improve future performance. P.S. What’s the most challenging situation your team has successfully adapted to? Share your story below! Don't be afraid to share so we can learn from each other’s experiences in building resilient teams! #CreativeDirector #ArtofBrandWarfare #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #Veteran #BrandStrategy #Leadership All the best, Your #1 Multi-Talented Creator 😎

Why Leadership Buy-In and Change Management Are Key to Successful Earned Value Management (EVM) Implementation Implementing EVM is more than just adopting a new project management tool—it’s a transformative change that requires strong leadership support and effective change management strategies. Without leadership buy-in, your EVM efforts can fall flat. Without proper change management, resistance and confusion can derail even the best-laid plans. Discover why leadership engagement and structured change management are critical to EVM success in our latest blog post: Read the full article to learn: ✅ How leaders set the tone for EVM success  ✅ The role of change management in overcoming resistance  ✅ Practical strategies to ensure a smooth transition to EVM Ready to make EVM work for your organization? Start by securing the support of your leadership and managing change effectively! #EVM #ProjectManagement #Leadership #ChangeManagement #Aerospace #Defense #Staffeum

Sometimes our biggest mistakes lead to our biggest discoveries. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made as a leader, and what did you discover as a result? Probably the biggest learning opportunity I had over the course of my career was when I was the department manager responsible for the implementation of the MRP 11, shop floor control systems. The lesson I learned was the need to define the quality of a project or task and its readiness for implementation. The system was implemented before it was ready, and I personally witnessed the impact on the shop floor. This was for a major military aircraft. The implementation date was being driven by an executive MBO (management by objective), not by any system readiness quality metrics. The impact was significant.   The lesson learned Implement a quality methodology that provides empirical evidence (metrics) on the true status of any project or effort. That lesson has been the foundation for many success systems I’ve implemented since. Read more lessons learned in the article. #businesslessons #failyourwaytosuccess #CEOinsights

Blind in the Fog: Lessons in Adapting to Change and Leading Through Uncertainty My former Army teammate and fellow pilot, Vietnam and Iraqi War veteran Wayne Chasson, published a book. In one chapter, he recounts a "white-knuckle" moment during a seemingly routine mission, there are valuable lessons applicable far beyond the cockpit buried in this incident. Attached is an excerpt of the story, along with some key takeaways that can help you navigate business turbulence. Who knew that after 15 months in Iraq it would be Cape Cod that almost killed us!?! Ever feel like your business plan just flew into a fog bank? That's what happened to me after returning from deployment. We were back on Cape Cod after a 15-month Middle East deployment. Used to clear Iraqi skies, our rusty instrument skills were nearly tested by the region's infamous fog. This "oh sh*t" moment became a powerful reminder of the importance of adaptability in any situation. Key Takeaways for Navigating Business Turbulence: - Be Ready to Adapt: The business landscape, like the weather, can shift unexpectedly. Don't be caught unprepared - continuously hone your skills and have contingency plans. - Sharpen Your Core Skills: Just like instrument flying, some business skills require constant practice. Don't neglect the fundamentals when things seem smooth sailing. - Communication is Key: Clear and consistent communication with your team and stakeholders is vital during uncertain times. - Lead with Calm Confidence: When the unexpected arises, panic is contagious. Stay calm, focused, and inspire your team to navigate the challenge. Lesson Learned: Even the most experienced leaders can face unforeseen obstacles. The ability to adapt, rely on core skills, and communicate effectively can help your team navigate any "oh sh*t" moment and navigate through any fog. #leadership #businessskills #adaptability #communication

Does your business need exceptional leadership and team management to navigate complex projects? Veterans transitioning from military service to civilian careers are an unparalleled source of these skills. In his latest article, Robert Sunderland MSc reveals how these heroes deliver leadership with clarity and excellence. Stay tuned for the rest of the series, where we'll uncover more ways that veterans' discipline and strategic thinking can be beneficial in project controls. #ProjectControls #LeadershipSkills #Veterans #TransferableSkills

Success Begins in 'First 90 Days' As I mark three months as CSO at DP World-SCO, I've navigated through an intense learning and adaptation phase, much like my military deployments. Here’s a distilled version of my top takeaways that kept me marching forward, from day one! 1. Quick Deployment. 🚁 Hit the ground running! Day one, boots polished and strategy ready—recce first, action next. 2. Strategic Mapping. 🗺️ Just like mapping out enemy territory, plot the corporate landscape. Avoiding landmines meant understanding company culture and dynamics fast—essential for not just surviving but thriving. 3. Building Alliances 🤝 The battlefield and the boardroom both need strong alliances. It's not just about sharing a foxhole or a coffee pot; it’s about building bonds that turn colleagues into comrades. 4. Command Presence. 🎖️ Leadership in greens or a suit—it’s all about the presence. Inspiring confidence and trust has been key to establishing my command in the corporate trenches. 5. Feedback and Adapt. 🔁 Adapt or Adopt—my military mantra that’s just as effective in the corporate. Feedback is your best friend and your most honest ally. 6. Embrace Continuous Learning. 📚 Every day’s a school day, whether you're dodging drills or diving into data. Stay curious, stay sharp. It helps. 7. Ask the Right Questions. ❓ Intelligence wins battles and seals deals. Asking the right questions has been my secret weapon for unlocking potential and paving new paths. 8. Adaptability is Key. 🔄 In the military, you pivot to survive. In corporate, you pivot to thrive. Keeping agile has kept me ahead of the curve. 9. Lead with Empathy. 🌱 Leading with empathy has made navigating complex challenges smoother. Understanding your team's needs goes a long way—whether in combat boots or conference rooms. Look forward to more lessons, laughs, and leadership. We can connect to swap more war stories and work wins! #Leadership #MilitaryToCorporate #First90Days #CorporateCommand

Looking for ways to leverage your military leadership skills in a civilian career? The expertise you've gained in team leadership and complex task management is perfect for project controls. Discover how your military background can seamlessly transition into a successful career in project controls, offering a path to professional growth in our blog here. #exforces #Leadership #CareerTransition #ProjectControls