OPINION — Not way back, I used to be speaking to an previous good friend and China analyst concerning the want for Intelligence Group (IC) analysts to spend considerably extra time themselves and their very own companies, processes, procedures, habits, biases, and many others.—in different phrases, to be extra introspective. I assumed this an uncontroversial assertion because it has been properly established in administration literature that wholesome organizations have sturdy introspective proclivities. However his response proved me mistaken: “Do you’ve gotten any concept what my learn pile appears to be like like? I’ve no time for navel-gazing.”
The above remark fantastically captures not solely the IC’s aversion to introspection but in addition what might be the principle cause for that aversion—our “mission focus.” In actual fact, for many of us “mission, mission, mission” turns into a mantra from the day we take our oaths. However that admirable mission focus additionally comes with a really actual draw back: we are likely to see introspection as a distraction from the mission relatively than as a prerequisite to mission success. Add to that one other compelling cause for our aversion—our historic and cultural wariness about “blue” (U.S.-related) points—and the roots of our introspective deficiencies rapidly turn into evident.
That mentioned, our aversion to introspection would possibly properly be disputed by some observers. In spite of everything, most of us take a number of character assessments (e.g., Myers Briggs, DISC, and many others.) through the course of our service. Moreover, we do have most of the trappings of an introspective group: organizations (e.g., Nationwide Intelligence College, Middle for the Examine of Intelligence, and many others.), personnel (e.g., methodologists, tradecraft specialists, historians, and many others.), and publications (e.g., NIU’s Analysis Notes, Shorts and Monographs; CIA’s Research in Intelligence, and many others.) which can be particularly devoted to eager about the observe of intelligence. Why, then, do I posit that we’re not sufficiently introspective?
Properly, relative to the IC’s dimension, the aforementioned trappings are, by any measure, tiny. Furthermore, though a sub-community of terribly introspective officers exists, nearly all of them are at their most introspective when—and since—they aren’t engaged on the road. As a part of my analysis, I speak to many intelligence officers, particularly line analysts. And in doing so I by no means fail to be amazed at how few appear to view routine introspective actions as very important to excessive efficiency. Positive, they see worth within the occasional class, tradecraft-focused article, or ticking off the packing containers on an Intelligence Group Directive 203 (Analytic Requirements) guidelines. However as a scientific, thorough, and routine exercise? Not a lot.
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Given this, the IC must essentially reassess its complete conception of introspection. Not can it’s ample to anticipate introspective initiatives to be carried out principally by non-line or help entities, though their foundational introspective efforts will stay very important helps to mission. Moderately, on high of that foundational work, the IC should begin constructing introspective exercise into the common routines of officers actively and immediately engaged on the mission. Simply as working towards medical doctors and legal professionals are required (no less than on paper) to have interaction in self-assessment—”reflective observe”—whilst they confront ever-increasing numbers of sufferers and caseloads, intelligence practitioners too should consciously make investments time and thought in commonly reflecting on how we conduct our work and methods during which we might higher obtain our mission.
There is no such thing as a set type this reflective observe should take. It might be performed in a gaggle, particular person and/or hybrid format. The one points which can be non-negotiable are that it’s common, resourced (notably with regard to time), and required.
Finally, and as talked about on the outset, wholesome organizations have robust introspective tendencies. It’s essential then, that the IC reconceives and incentivizes introspection as a basic prerequisite to mission success and never the distraction or “navel gazing” it too usually is deemed to be.
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