THE POWER OF THE DECISION
The Power of the Decision
by AARON R . KUZEL , DO , MBA
In Malcolm Gladwell ’ s Blink : The Power of Thinking Without Thinking , Mr . Gladwell explores the art of intuition in the decision-making process . When it comes to experts , intuition or the “ gut check ” may be more powerful and accurate than deep , methodical analysis . In his examination of professions where only seconds are allowed for decisions ( i . e ., police and health care professions ), he argues , “ There can be as much value in the blink of an eye as in months of rational analysis .”
In battlefield command , decisions are often made under significant stress , with limited information , and require heroic exertion to accomplish the mission . The greatest military commanders are those who effectively process this limited available information and seize upon the tactical initiative . Take the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863 : the combatants did not realize at the time , but the entirety of the Civil War would hinge on the decisions of one man and one regiment , Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his 20 th Maine . His banshee charge downhill with fixed bayonets routed the Confederate ranks . The 20 th Maine ’ s defense of Little Roundtop is a prime example of instinct informed by experience , and the decisions made that day remain required study by contemporary military strategists and battlefield historians .
After pushing back waves and waves of Confederate advances on Little Round Top , the 20 th Maine was running out of ammunition . There was a choice ; hold the line and suffer significant casualties or withdraw from the field exposing a gap in the Federal lines leading to the collapse of the Federal position and assured defeat . Would reinforcements arrive on time ? Could they repel further Confederate attacks ? Would their ammunition last ? In an astonishing display of courage , Col . Chamberlain gave the order to fix bayonets and scatter the Confederate regiments to secure the Federal flank . As they say , the rest is history : General Meade would defeat General Lee and the Union would be preserved .
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