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Tag Tag Command
Commanders must remember that the issuance of an order, or the devising of a plan, is only about five per cent of the responsibility of command. The other ninety-five per cent is to insure, by personal observation, or through the interposing of staff officers, that the order is carried out.
George S. Patton War As I Knew It · 1947

Quotes

“As usual on the verge of action, everyone felt full of doubt except myself. It has always been my unfortunate role to be the ray of sunshine and the backslapper before action, both for those under me and also those over me.”

George S. Patton · War As I Knew It, 1947 · Primary source

“The point I am trying to bring out is that one does not plan and then try to make circumstances fit those plans. One tries to make plans fit the circumstances. I think the difference between success and failure in high command depends upon the ability, or lack of it, to do just that.”

George S. Patton · War As I Knew It, 1947 · Primary source

Related Tags

Decision-making 35 Accountability 18 Execution 13 Adaptability 9 Leadership 9 Follow-through 4 Contingency planning 3 Confidence 3 Supervision 3 Morale 2 Encouragement 2 Operational flexibility 1