OPINION — Not way back, I used to be speaking to an outdated good friend and China analyst in regards to the want for Intelligence Group (IC) analysts to spend considerably extra time themselves and their very own businesses, processes, procedures, habits, biases, and so forth.—in different phrases, to be extra introspective. I assumed this an uncontroversial assertion because it has been nicely established in administration literature that wholesome organizations have sturdy introspective proclivities. However his response proved me unsuitable: “Do you may have any concept what my learn pile seems to be like? I’ve no time for navel-gazing.”
The above remark superbly captures not solely the IC’s aversion to introspection but additionally what might be the primary cause for that aversion—our “mission focus.” Actually, for many of us “mission, mission, mission” turns into a mantra from the day we take our oaths. However that admirable mission focus additionally comes with a really actual draw back: we are likely to see introspection as a distraction from the mission somewhat than as a prerequisite to mission success. Add to that one other compelling cause for our aversion—our historic and cultural wariness about “blue” (U.S.-related) points—and the roots of our introspective deficiencies shortly develop into evident.
That stated, our aversion to introspection would possibly nicely be disputed by some observers. In spite of everything, most of us take a number of persona assessments (e.g., Myers Briggs, DISC, and so forth.) in the course of the course of our service. Moreover, we do have lots of the trappings of an introspective group: organizations (e.g., Nationwide Intelligence College, Heart for the Examine of Intelligence, and so forth.), personnel (e.g., methodologists, tradecraft specialists, historians, and so forth.), and publications (e.g., NIU’s Analysis Notes, Shorts and Monographs; CIA’s Research in Intelligence, and so forth.) which are particularly devoted to fascinated with the apply of intelligence. Why, then, do I posit that we aren’t sufficiently introspective?
Properly, relative to the IC’s measurement, the aforementioned trappings are, by any measure, tiny. Furthermore, though a sub-community of terribly introspective officers exists, the vast majority of them are at their most introspective when—and since—they aren’t engaged on the road. As a part of my analysis, I speak to many intelligence officers, particularly line analysts. And in doing so I by no means fail to be amazed at how few appear to view routine introspective actions as important to excessive efficiency. Certain, they see worth within the occasional class, tradecraft-focused article, or ticking off the containers on an Intelligence Group Directive 203 (Analytic Requirements) guidelines. However as a scientific, thorough, and routine exercise? Not a lot.
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Given this, the IC must essentially reassess its complete conception of introspection. Now not can it’s enough to anticipate introspective initiatives to be carried out largely by non-line or help entities, though their foundational introspective efforts will stay important helps to mission. Quite, on high of that foundational work, the IC should begin constructing introspective exercise into the common routines of officers actively and instantly engaged on the mission. Simply as practising docs and legal professionals are required (no less than on paper) to have interaction in self-assessment—”reflective apply”—whilst they confront ever-increasing numbers of sufferers and caseloads, intelligence practitioners too should consciously make investments time and thought in usually reflecting on how we conduct our work and methods during which we may higher obtain our mission.
There isn’t any set type this reflective apply should take. It may very well be performed in a bunch, particular person and/or hybrid format. The one points which are non-negotiable are that it’s common, resourced (significantly with regard to time), and required.
Finally, and as talked about on the outset, wholesome organizations have sturdy introspective tendencies. It’s essential then, that the IC reconceives and incentivizes introspection as a elementary prerequisite to mission success and never the distraction or “navel gazing” it too usually is deemed to be.
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