Thinking in Functions: Military Approach to Business Bottlenecks

2 min read

Something I have brought into the business world from the military: thinking in functions.

When things get chaotic, we asked ourselves one question: Which core function is failing right now?

The Framework

A similar approach can be used to work through any bottleneck. In the military, we relied on the six warfighting functions to diagnose problems quickly. These functions form the backbone of mission command.

Core Functions

The six warfighting functions are:

  • Command and Control – set objectives, priorities, and decision authority (in business, that’s strategy, leadership, and assigning key decision makers).
  • Movement and Maneuver – positioning forces to create advantage (going through the motions of building a product, delivering a service).
  • Protection – preserving combat power and reducing exposure to risk (legal, risk management, and downside control).
  • Sustainment – logistics and support needed to keep ops under stress (ops and finance).
  • Fires – deliberate force applied to achieve outcomes (sales and marketing).
  • Intelligence – collecting, analyzing, and understanding information about the environment and adversary (following signal > noise – knowing customers, competitors, and which data matters).

Leadership and information flow around all of these, keeping everything connected. When chaos hits, identifying which function is failing gives you clarity on where to focus.

The Six Warfighting Functions diagram showing Mission Command at the center, surrounded by Intelligence, Movement and Maneuver, Protection, Sustainment, and Fires, with Leadership and Information flowing around the outer ring

Business Application

This same mental model applies to business. When you hit a bottleneck, ask yourself: Which core function is failing? Is it your intelligence gathering? Your ability to move and maneuver? Your sustainment? Understanding defense innovation principles can help translate these concepts into your organization.

Conclusion

Thinking in functions is a powerful framework for diagnosing problems. When chaos hits, identify which core function is failing, and you will know exactly where to focus your energy.

This military approach to problem-solving translates directly to business. The six warfighting functions give you a mental model for breaking down any complex situation into manageable parts.

Start asking yourself: which core function is failing right now?