Problem-Mission Alignment 🤝

This lesson teaches Air Force innovators the critical importance of solving problems that align with and positively impact the mission. Connecting innovation efforts to broader mission goals ensures that solutions are supported by leadership.

Overview:

Imagine your team identifies a bottleneck in supply chain logistics that delays mission-critical materials. By conducting a problem/mission alignment analysis, you connect this issue to broader operational goals, such as ensuring aircraft readiness and mission timeliness. You collaborate with leadership to provide clarity, refine your solution, and propose a pilot project to streamline the logistics process.

Through consistent iteration and alignment with mission priorities, you not only solve the problem but also demonstrate your innovation’s value in advancing the mission. Leadership takes notice, and your idea gains the trust and support needed to scale. 🚀📦

Key Concepts Covered:

• Problem-Mission Connection: Understanding how solving the right problem strengthens the mission’s success and efficiency.
• Leadership Alignment: Strategies for presenting ideas that resonate with leadership priorities and gain buy-in.
• Iterative Problem Solving: Encouraging experimentation and adaptation to refine ideas in alignment with mission needs.
• Clarity and Purpose: Ensuring innovators remain focused on challenges that have the greatest mission impact.
• Building Trust: Demonstrating the alignment of solutions with mission goals to foster confidence among leaders and stakeholders.

Want to learn more?:

Check out these resources!

• "DoD Innovation Programs: Lessons in Alignment" by the DoD - This Department of Defense page explores case studies of innovation within the military. It highlights how aligning problem-solving initiatives with the mission ensures that solutions address critical needs, optimize resources, and have a measurable impact on operational success.
• "Aligning Air Force’s approach is key to reoptimizing for Great Power Competition" by the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs - This Department of Defense page explores case studies of innovation within the military. It highlights how aligning problem-solving initiatives with the mission ensures that solutions address critical needs, optimize resources, and have a measurable impact on operational success.

About the instructor: 

Jeff “Smoker” Adling enlisted in the Air Force in 2002 from Dallas, Texas, and later earned a commission through Officer Training School. Over the course of his diverse career, he held key roles as a communications technician, logistics officer, inspector general, and special operations pilot with over 2,000 flying hours in remotely piloted and nonstandard aircraft. As a Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, he channeled his passion for organizational behavior and problem-solving into unlocking the potential of diverse teams, addressing even the most challenging issues. He is also an experienced innovation coach, utilizing the science of storytelling to empower Airmen in advocating for their solutions.

Prior to joining the Productable team, Jeff was the Master Process Officer for Air Force Special Operations Command, spearheading continuous improvement and innovation throughout AFSOC.  He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration from The University of Florida and spends his free time perfecting his photography.