The Memo: How the Classified Military Document That Helped the US Win WWII Can Help You Succeed in Business

The Memo reveals how to succeed in business using the top-secret WWII strategy that ultimately led to the Allied victory.

Much is known about how the atomic bomb helped the United States achieve final victory in World War II. However, little is known about a weapon that was, perhaps, even more powerful—a memo. Classified as “Restricted” by the U.S. War Department, “The Memo” contained a management doctrine under the subject of “Completed Staff Work.” This memo turned military command structure on its head and focused on the power of staff instead of their commanders. Simply put, instead of relying on senior leaders to think up solutions and then order staff officers to implement them, staff officers would be charged with presenting fully developed solutions, which command would approve.

Now declassified, The Memo holds valuable lessons that will help any employee advance in his or her career. The Memo emphasizes followership and shows aspiring employees how to advance by employing the power of teamwork to make their leaders successful.