 When leaders explain the why behind the decisions we make, we are teaching those we lead how to think. In turn, they learn how we think, including commanders intent. Understanding commanders intent requires leaders who routinely explain why. When leaders resort too often to telling subordinates just do it, subordinates lose both an understanding of the commander's thinking and their ability to think on their own when they become leaders. Explaining why is perhaps one of the most important things a leader can do before the heat of the battle. Because then, when there's no time to explain, the leader won't have to. Lead well this week.