Leadership Competency #1

Thinking in Essentials - 6/8

NOTE: This module draws from my earlier work under Black Market Leadership. The ideas here predate Chaos Studies in Leadership and form the foundation that made this work possible.

This video introduces the Concept Model, a simple but powerful tool for structuring thinking, communication, and decision-making. The model works by placing the main topic or concept at the top and breaking it down into a small number of essential elements beneath it. This approach aligns with how the human mind retains information and prevents cognitive overload.

By organizing ideas into clear hierarchies—typically three to four core elements—leaders dramatically improve clarity, recall, and execution. The Concept Model can be used to define leadership, plan missions, structure presentations, write proposals, or guide teams through complexity. Its value lies in helping people understand and retain what matters most, even under pressure and in the fog of war.