Management

Mongol Empire - Part 4: Meritocracy of the Steppe: Promotion by Ability, Not Birth

4 January 2022·1631 words·8 mins

History and Critical Analysis Mongol Empire Leadership Meritocracy Management Talent Development Military and Logistics Historical Case Studies

In an age of hereditary aristocracy, the Mongols promoted blacksmiths' sons to supreme command. This radical meritocracy created the most effective military leadership in history – and offers lessons modern organizations still struggle to learn.

Mongol Empire - Part 1: The Decimal Army: The Organization System Copied for 800 Years

1 January 2022·1629 words·8 mins

History and Critical Analysis Military Mongol Empire Organization Management Systems Thinking Military and Logistics Historical Case Studies

Genghis Khan reorganized his entire society around multiples of 10. This seemingly simple change created a military structure so effective it was copied by armies for centuries – and its principles still apply to modern organizations.

WWI Technology - Part 3: Haig's Dilemma: When the Boss Doesn't Understand the Technology

23 May 2019·1577 words·8 mins

Systems and Innovation World War I Leadership Technology Military Management Technological History

Douglas Haig led the largest army in British history through history's most technologically intense war. His background was horses. The results—spectacular failure followed by eventual success—offer lessons for any leader facing technology they don't understand.

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