Battling with Business

Episode 98 - Ends, Ways & Means - a framework for working out what to do

In this episode of 'Battling with Business', Chris and Gareth take a deep dive into the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework, examining its essential role in strategic planning, communication, and leadership across both military and civilian contexts. The discussion highlights how this tripartite approach serves as a vital tool for achieving complex objectives and enabling effective decision-making.
Ends, Ways, and Means Framework
The episode opens with a thorough exploration of the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework:
Ends: Represent the ultimate goals or outcomes an organisation or team seeks to achieve.
Ways: Define the strategies or methods to accomplish those goals.
Means: Refer to the resources—such as time, funding, personnel, and technology—required to implement the strategies.
Chris and Gareth stress the framework's adaptability in addressing multifaceted challenges, enhancing strategic thinking, and structuring project management. They argue that clearly understanding each component is essential for ensuring alignment and coherence when pursuing objectives.
Application in Military Orders and Communication
Drawing parallels between military and civilian environments, the hosts explore how the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework underpins effective communication and the execution of orders:
In the military, orders are categorised as verbal, written, or standing orders, each serving distinct purposes within the Ends, Ways, and Means structure.
Clearly defining the Ends ensures that all team members understand the overarching objectives.
Identifying the Ways provides a clear strategic path, while outlining the Means ensures that resources are deployed efficiently.
This structured approach helps to minimise ambiguity and improve precision, in contrast to the more fluid communication styles often seen in civilian contexts.
Effects-Based Planning and Desired Outcomes
Chris introduces effects-based planning as an extension of the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework:
Ends: Clearly articulate the desired end state or outcome before any planning begins.
Ways: Identify specific effects or actions needed to achieve the desired ends.
Means: Allocate resources to support these effects.
By starting with the Ends, organisations can ensure that subsequent planning and resource allocation are directly aligned with their primary objectives. Chris cites Amazon’s press release strategy as an example of how articulating a desired effect can guide effective product development.
Clarity and Common Language in Business
Emphasising the importance of a shared language, Chris and Gareth discuss how the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework fosters clarity in business operations:
Establishing a common taxonomy for Ends, Ways, and Means ensures all team members share an understanding of goals, strategies, and resource allocation.
This clarity enhances communication, reduces misunderstandings, and streamlines decision-making.
The hosts suggest that adopting a structured approach, similar to the military’s, could significantly improve efficiency and effectiveness in civilian organisations.
Improving Strategic Language and Planning
The conversation shifts to the critical role of language in strategic planning:
Using precise and deliberate language to define Ends, Ways, and Means ensures strategies are clearly understood and effectively communicated.
Avoiding vague or abbreviated instructions helps maintain clarity and alignment across all levels of an organisation.
Chris shares insights from his military experience, demonstrating how strategic language supports better resource distribution and operational planning.
Mission Command and Creative Innovation
Chris explores how the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework supports mission command and fosters innovation:
Focusing on Ends allows teams the flexibility to determine the best Ways to achieve their goals, encouraging creative problem-solving.
Allocating the appropriate Means ensures resources are available to support innovative approaches.
By prioritising outcomes over actions, organisations can create an environment where creativity and adaptability thrive. Chris uses the story of Henry Ford and his employee Joe to illustrate the value of providing time and resources for innovative thinking.
Balancing Thought and Action in Strategy
Concluding the episode, Chris and Gareth discuss the importance of balancing strategic thought with decisive action using the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework:
Ends: Offer a clear vision that guides all strategic initiatives.
Ways: Define a roadmap for achieving these ends through well-thought-out strategies.
Means: Ensure the necessary resources are in place to support these strategies.
They highlight the need for continuous review and adaptation, stressing that strategy is a dynamic process. The framework provides a structured yet flexible approach, enabling organisations to remain focused while adapting to changing circumstances.
Conclusion
This episode of 'Battling with Business' puts the "Ends, Ways, and Means" framework at the forefront as a crucial tool for strategic planning and effective communication. By blending military precision with business insight, Chris and Gareth inspire listeners to adopt this structured approach to achieve their goals, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation in their organisations.

Episode 97 - What is focus and how do we do it?

In this episode of the podcast, Chris discusses the importance of focus in teamwork and leadership. He shares a personal experience that led him to consider the significance of focus in achieving success. Chris plans to explore this topic further in future episodes, examining its implications for teams, leaders, and businesses. He emphasises the need for individuals and organisations to direct their attention towards specific tasks or goals without being easily distracted, while also avoiding the risk of tunnel vision. Chris highlights the importance of balance between focus and innovation, and introduces the concept of mission focus, where teams are tasked with achieving a specific effect rather than just completing a particular task.
Setting Clear Goals and Staying MotivatedChris discussed his training for the London Marathon and the importance of setting clear goals. He differentiated between a goal, an objective, and a task, explaining that a goal is a fixed point in time, an objective is a broader life change, and a task is the specific action required to achieve the goal. Chris emphasized the importance of understanding the goal and objective to maintain focus and avoid tunnel vision. He also highlighted the need for personal motivation to continue with his training, despite the challenges of running in the dark and cold.
Exploring Focus: Task, Objective, and GoalChris discussed the concept of focus and its various applications. He differentiated between three types of focus: task, objective, and goal. Chris also touched on the personal aspect of focus, suggesting that humans prefer to have a clear understanding of their tasks and goals, which can lead to better outcomes and reduced stress. He shared his personal practice of writing down tasks and goals for the day, and how he adjusts them based on the actual time required for each task. Chris also mentioned that some tasks, like research, are open-ended and may require more time than initially anticipated.
Focus, Problem-Solving, and Creativity in Task ManagementChris discussed the importance of problem-solving and focusing on tasks. He explained that tasks may initially seem simple but can reveal multiple aspects that need to be addressed. He differentiated between convergent and divergent focus, emphasizing that both are essential in tackling problems effectively. Chris also discussed the relationship between focus and creativity, sharing an insight from Rich Seal that creativity often thrives when given constraints. He concluded that focus is about converging on a small number of options to tackle a problem and that prioritization is crucial in this process.
Resource Prioritization and Temporal Decision MakingChris discussed the importance of prioritizing resources, time, and effort against objectives and goals. He shared his experience in the military, where he had to solve intelligence gaps using surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. He emphasized the need to understand the operating space and to prioritize questions based on the decisions that need to be made. Chris also highlighted the importance of temporal prioritization, where some questions may need to be answered sooner than others. He concluded by mentioning the need to creatively use available capabilities to answer these questions.
Focus, Checklists, and Common Sense in High-Stress EnvironmentsChris discussed the importance of focus in high-stress environments, using examples from surgeries and aircraft emergencies. He emphasized that checklists can help maintain focus and prevent mistakes, but also warned about the potential for becoming too focused on the wrong thing. Chris also highlighted the limitations of checklists in problem-solving, particularly in unexpected situations, and stressed the need for common sense in applying them.
Tools, Techniques, and Prioritization for FocusChris discussed the importance of tools and techniques to help focus in various situations, whether it's a new and novel situation or a closed problem. He emphasized the need for clear direction and understanding of the mission to filter out noise and focus on decisions. Chris also highlighted the importance of prioritization, especially in complex problem spaces where feedback from the operating environment is necessary. He shared his personal experience of making gut decisions during a firefight, emphasizing the need for instinctive responses and quick decision-making. Chris concluded by suggesting that a checklist could be a symptom of the need for focus, rather than the solution itself.
Product Development Prioritization and FocusChris discussed the process of prioritizing and focusing on product development in a business context. He emphasized the importance of aligning development with the company's strategic goals and vision. Chris also highlighted the need for a common understanding of value drivers among different functions within the organization. He suggested a framework for prioritizing features, which involves scoring them based on customer value, technical complexity, and strategic alignment. This framework is then used to regularly revisit and update the list of priorities. Chris stressed the importance of this process in achieving focus and making informed decisions about product development.
Prioritization, Decision-Making, and Focus in Various ContextsChris compared the processes of firefighting and their own work, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and decision-making. He likened their gut reactions to the muscle memory of their drills, practiced month after month, and highlighted the need for conscious thinking after ensuring physical safety. Chris also discussed the importance of focus and decision-making in various contexts, including military and medical fields, and suggested exploring these topics further in a future discussion. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the participants and encouraging them to share their thoughts and feedback.
 

Episode 96 - Influencers #16 Gene Kranz & Jim Lovell, leading Apollo 13

In this episode of Battling with Business, as part of our popular monthly Influencers Series, we explore the powerful leadership and crisis management strategies that defined the historic Apollo 13 mission recovery. This episode spotlights two key figures: Gene Kranz, NASA’s Flight Director, and Jim Lovell, the mission commander of Apollo 13, both of whom were instrumental in bringing the crew safely home after a catastrophic malfunction in space.
We take an in-depth look at the unique leadership approaches of Kranz and Lovell, examining how their military backgrounds and distinct personalities shaped their decision-making and crisis response under intense pressure. This discussion includes an exploration of the "Kranz Dictum," the now-famous declaration that “failure is not an option,” which encapsulates Kranz’s commitment to resilience and excellence. This principle has since become a defining feature of NASA's culture, symbolizing a dedication to teamwork, perseverance, and mission success in the face of overwhelming odds.
Jim Lovell’s calm, steady leadership style played a critical role aboard Apollo 13, balancing Kranz’s intensity with composure as he guided the crew through life-threatening challenges in space. Together, Lovell’s and Kranz’s contrasting but complementary leadership styles provide valuable insights into crisis management, resilience, and the power of trust and collaboration when facing high-stakes situations.
This episode reveals powerful lessons for today’s leaders, from cultivating a failure-resistant mindset to leveraging diverse approaches to problem-solving. Listeners will gain inspiration from Kranz and Lovell’s legacy and learn actionable insights on leadership, teamwork, and adaptability in crisis management.

Episode 95 - Halloween special part II - Frankenstein's monster continues

In Episode 2 of the Battling with Business Halloween special, Chris and Gareth continue their thought experiment of crafting the ultimate leader by combining traits from some of history’s most influential leaders. After recapping their choices from the last episode—including Winston Churchill, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Jackie Fisher for vision; Eisenhower, Machiavelli, and John Boyd for strategic thinking; Erwin Rommel, Paddy Mayne, and Alistair Campbell for tactical expertise; and Dolly Parton and Martin Luther King Jr. for charisma—they turn their attention to two new leadership qualities: innovation and team-building.
For innovation, the hosts dive into the legacies of Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Tim Berners-Lee, debating whether the visionary brilliance of a leader can be separated from their controversial traits. Shifting to team-building, they spotlight General Stan McChrystal as an exemplary leader who excels at uniting and motivating teams.
This episode then explores essential soft skills for leaders, including empathy, integrity, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Gareth shares a personal story about Lt. Col. Ollie Lee, a friend who exemplifies integrity in leadership, demonstrating how character-driven qualities can foster respect and inspire trust.
By analysing traits from historic figures, Chris and Gareth dissect the blend of hard and soft skills required for effective leadership, debating how vision, strategic insight, and personal character all come together to shape truly impactful leaders. Tune into Battling with Business for an insightful look at the essential leadership qualities every business leader can learn from!

Episode 94 - Halloween Special - building Dr Frankensteins leadership monster - Part 1

As Halloween approaches, they muse on what it would take to build a "Frankenstein’s monster" of a leader—combining the best (and sometimes questionable) traits from history’s most notable figures.
In this first part, of a 2 part series, Chris and Gareth tackle the intriguing challenge of defining great leadership. They dive into the traits that set exceptional leaders apart, exploring why identifying and cultivating such talent can be so elusive. 
They explore the role of charisma, using Adolf Hitler and Boris Johnson as cautionary examples, while celebrating Dolly Parton’s unique balance of charm and respect across the spectrum. Chris and Gareth look into what makes charisma both powerful and dangerous if left unchecked by vision, strategy, and tactical skills.
As they compare incremental versus radical innovation, the hosts pull from examples like the British cycling team’s “marginal gains” approach and Elon Musk’s transformative ventures, debating which qualities leaders need to be both adaptable and forward-thinking. They take on the concept of context in leadership by discussing figures like Erwin Rommel and Jackie Fisher—asking, would they be as successful outside their times?
From building adaptable leaders who blend tactical and strategic skills to analysing how radical innovators like Steve Jobs and Winston Churchill reshaped their fields, Chris and Gareth challenge traditional views. They conclude with a call for leaders who are not just visionaries but tacticians and innovators—ready for whatever the future brings.
Catch this episode to hear more on charisma, strategy, and the dynamic balance between incremental and radical change in leadership!

Episode 93 - A chat with Royal Marine turned actor, Tip Cullen

In this thought-provoking episode of Battling with Business, Gareth engages in a compelling conversation with former Royal Marine and seasoned actor, Tip Cullen. With over 30 years of experience as a Mountain Leader, Tip’s military career spans elite operations in forward reconnaissance and instructing in some of the world's most extreme mountainous and cold weather environments. As Gareth’s former Sergeant Major during basic training, their connection brings a personal dimension to the discussion.
The episode explores the profound role of storytelling in leadership, both in high-stakes military scenarios and within the civilian workforce. Tip sheds light on how storytelling can inspire, motivate, and create lasting impact in teams and organizations. He also dives into his current work with veterans, using the transformative power of acting and storytelling to help them rediscover joy, purpose, and positive energy as they transition into civilian life.
Tune in to learn how the art of storytelling is not just a leadership tool, but a bridge to personal growth and resilience. This conversation is packed with insights for leaders, veterans, and anyone seeking to harness the power of narrative to drive change.
 

Episode 92 - Influencers #15 - Niccolò Machiavelli, good or bad?

In this engaging episode of Battling with Business, Chris and Gareth take a deep dive into the life, philosophy, and legacy of one of history's most influential and controversial thinkers—Niccolò Machiavelli. This instalment in their Influencers Series brings Machiavelli's ideas to life as Gareth sets the historical context behind his most famous works, such as The Prince, and explains how his concepts have shaped leadership, politics, and philosophy over centuries.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Chris and Gareth explore one of the central questions surrounding Machiavelli: Was he a force for good or bad? They tackle the complex and often misunderstood notion of being "Machiavellian," discussing whether this term is still relevant in today’s leadership landscape. Chris uses a compelling series of Machiavelli’s quotes to challenge modern leaders to rethink how they approach power, ethics, and decision-making. Meanwhile, Gareth delves into key Machiavellian concepts such as realpolitik, strategic deception, and the balance between virtue and pragmatism. He explores how these ideas continue to influence contemporary leadership, politics, and even corporate strategy.
This episode isn’t just about history—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of how ancient wisdom applies to modern leadership. Whether you're a business leader, strategist, or history enthusiast, this episode promises to deliver actionable insights and fresh perspectives on power, virtue, and success in today’s complex world.

Episode 91 - Setting good habits - Reflective practice and building resilience with Keith Reesby

In this engaging episode of Battling with Business, hosts Chris and Gareth have an insightful conversation with renowned personal development consultant Keith Reesby. The episode delves into the transformative impact of reflective practice, exploring how self-reflection can foster personal growth and strengthen resilience. Keith shares expert advice on how setting realistic and, more importantly, meaningful goals can help individuals—particularly children and young adults—develop healthy habits that lead to long-term success.
A key focus of the episode is the role of Stoic Philosophy in providing a foundation for self-reflection and resilience. Keith explains how this ancient philosophy equips individuals to handle life’s challenges with calm and control. He shares powerful strategies for adopting a Stoic mindset, preparing for adversity by considering worst-case scenarios—a method that helps build emotional fortitude before a crisis occurs.
Listeners will also enjoy Keith and Gareth sharing captivating “war stories” from their own experiences, where resilience was tested and strengthened. These real-life anecdotes not only bring excitement to the discussion but also offer practical examples of how reflecting on potential challenges can develop mental toughness and resilience in both everyday life and high-pressure situations.
Whether you’re a parent seeking to instil valuable life lessons in your children, a leader aiming to nurture resilience in your team, or someone looking for personal development strategies, this episode is full of actionable insights. Tune in for an engaging discussion blending Stoic wisdom, goal-setting approaches, and practical advice on building lifelong resilience.

Episode 89 - Leaders and stress management - act now before it too late!

In this insightful episode of the Battling with Business podcast, hosts Chris and Gareth continue their exploration of stress management, building on themes discussed in a previous episode. They dive deep into the impact of stress on both individuals and teams, highlighting how unmanaged stress can affect mental health, productivity, and overall workplace dynamics.
The episode unpacks the different ways stress manifests in the workplace, from individual burnout to team-wide inefficiencies. Chris and Gareth emphasize the critical role that both employees and leaders play in managing stress effectively. For individuals, the focus is on personal coping strategies such as mindfulness, time management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For leaders, they explore techniques to support teams, such as fostering open communication, promoting mental health awareness, and creating a resilient workplace culture.
Listeners will gain actionable insights into stress management from both individual and leadership perspectives, helping them to better navigate high-pressure environments. Whether you're an employee feeling overwhelmed or a leader striving to support your team, this episode provides practical advice on reducing stress and improving performance in business settings.
Key themes include:
The psychological and physical effects of stress on the individual
How team performance suffers under high stress
Coping mechanisms for individuals: mindfulness, exercise, and time management
Leadership strategies for reducing team stress: communication, resilience-building, and supportive environments
How effective stress management leads to improved business outcomes
Tune in for this in-depth conversation on stress in the workplace, designed to help both individuals and leaders take control of stress and foster a healthier, more productive working environment.

Episode 90 - Measurement and risk management with Doug Hubbard

Are you better at judgment than a model of you? 
In this episode of Battling with Business, Gareth and Chris dive deep into the world of data-driven decision-making with renowned expert Doug Hubbard, author of the popular series of books How to Measure Anything. Doug shares ground-breaking insights on how businesses can revolutionise their approach to project management by focusing on what truly matters: measuring the right variables and embracing quantitative models over flawed human intuition.
Doug explains how simple yet powerful tools like Monte Carlo simulations can outpace even the most seasoned experts in forecasting outcomes—whether in project management, sports predictions, or investment strategies. He highlights the common pitfalls of human judgment, such as inconsistency, selective memory, and overconfidence, which often lead to poor decision-making. By adopting scientifically proven methods, businesses can overcome these challenges and dramatically improve their results.
One of the key takeaways from this episode is Doug’s emphasis on measuring uncertainty in project benefits, rather than just focusing on costs. Many organizations fall into the trap of measuring what’s easy rather than what’s valuable. Doug shows that by focusing on the right metrics, businesses can unlock untapped potential and improve performance in ways that standard project management techniques have failed to deliver.
The conversation also explores the exciting future of AI and human-AI collaboration in project management. Doug argues that while AI can surpass human decision-making in certain areas, it should be viewed as a powerful tool to augment human expertise. From running simulations to testing decision-making models, AI has the potential to enhance forecasting, reduce risk, and help leaders make better-informed decisions in complex projects.
Listeners will come away with a fresh perspective on decision-making, armed with practical strategies to implement data-driven methods that can lead to measurable improvements in project outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, project managers, and anyone looking to embrace a more scientific approach to solving real-world challenges.