Book review: Team of Teams by General McChrystal

 "Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World" is a book written by General Stanley McChrystal, a retired United States Army general, and co-authors Tantum Collins, David Silverman, and Chris Fussell. The book discusses the changing nature of warfare in the 21st century and how the military must adapt to new challenges in order to remain effective.

The book begins with an overview of the traditional military hierarchy and how it has been challenged by modern warfare. General McChrystal recounts his experiences leading Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how he came to realize that the traditional approach to command and control was no longer effective in the face of the complex and rapidly changing environment of modern warfare.

To address this challenge, McChrystal and his team implemented a new organizational structure that focused on building "a team of teams" - a network of specialized units that could work together in a coordinated and decentralized way to achieve their mission. This new approach required a shift in mindset and culture, as well as new technology and communication tools.

Throughout the book, McChrystal provides a number of case studies and examples of how this new approach was applied in the field, including the operation to capture or kill Al Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He also discusses the challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome in order to implement this new approach, including resistance from traditional military leaders and the need to build trust and communication across organizational boundaries.

One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of creating a shared sense of purpose and common goals across the different teams and units involved in a mission. McChrystal emphasizes the importance of building trust and fostering a culture of collaboration and open communication, as well as the need to adapt and evolve as new challenges arise.

Another important theme in the book is the use of technology and information sharing to facilitate collaboration and decision-making in a complex and rapidly changing environment. McChrystal discusses the importance of real-time intelligence and the need for leaders to be able to quickly assess and respond to changing situations on the ground.

Overall, "Team of Teams" provides a compelling and insightful look at how the military must adapt to new challenges in order to remain effective in the modern world. The book is well-written and engaging, and the examples and case studies provided by McChrystal are both informative and inspiring. While the book is primarily focused on the military, the lessons and principles outlined in the book are applicable to a wide range of organizations and industries facing similar challenges in the 21st century.