top of page
Writer's pictureMark Aslett

Article 2: Culture Wars: Why Military Tradition and Silicon Valley's 'Fail Fast' Don't Mix

An army general and a techie walk into a room—the beginning of a joke or a project doomed to fail? The defense industry's rigid, hierarchical structure stands in stark contrast to the nimble, flat organizations found in high-tech. It's not just about business attire versus hoodies; it's an operational chasm that impacts how projects are run.



Hierarchies vs. Flat Structures


The military loves hierarchies, and it functions well under them. Decision-making is a process, often slower, with clearly defined roles. In high-tech, decisions are made fast, often in group chats or informal meetings.



Process vs. Agile


While the defense sector opts for meticulously planned projects, high-tech companies love their sprints and scrums. This cultural misalignment isn't just frustrating; it can derail projects, causing delays and financial losses.



A Two-Way Street


Cross-industry training programs could be beneficial. Imagine a high-tech team understanding the significance of military protocols or a defense team adopting agile frameworks for certain projects.



The debate is ripe: Can these sectors ever culturally align for the greater good?




Adobe graphic of a jet.

14 views0 comments

Commentaires


bottom of page