Commanders should teach subordinates that certainty is an impossible goal in decision-making, and that seeking perfect information leads to hesitation and inaction rather than better decisions.

normativepending

Speaker

General Stanley McChrystal

Evidence Quote

teach them that certainty is an impossible goal... some people keep asking for more information and what they're trying to do is drive uncertainty to zero... but you can't do that it's not achievable and so they become hesitant they become tentative

Source

A Masterclass on Leadership | Stanley McChrystal | Knowledge Project 132The Knowledge Project Podcast
Created: 8/11/2026, 1:19:19 AM

My Notes

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