Problem Solving in the Tatmadaw

The following story is made possible from the team behind Breaking Brainwashed.

As a former member of the Myanmar military, I've learned a thing or two about problem-solving and team dynamics. Take the time I spent with my tactical commander, for example. He was having a bit of a rough patch and couldn't seem to come up with a solution to his problem. In his frustration, he started scolding his subordinates, which made them all a bit nervous to be around him. Even I was hesitant to approach him, but I knew I had to try and help.

So, I bravely (or foolishly, depending on how you look at it) approached him and asked what was going on. At first, he wasn't too keen on talking about it, but eventually, he opened up to me. He complained that he was the only one dealing with this issue and that no one was helping him. I didn't have any advice to offer, but at least he had someone to vent to. I think my presence helped calm him down a bit, because when I left, he seemed to be back to his normal self.

After my encounter with the commander, my subordinates came to me asking what was going on. I filled them in on the situation, and to my surprise, our cook had a solution to the problem. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it myself! I eagerly ran back to the commander and told him about the cook's suggestion, and to our mutual delight, it worked! The problem was solved.

The commander praised me for being a smart fellow, but I quickly corrected him and told him that it was actually the cook's idea. The commander was impressed by my honesty and called the cook to thank him and praise him for his clever solution. He also told me that I was a good man for not trying to take credit for someone else's work, and that I should keep that mindset for the rest of my life. I was certainly glad to hear that!

From this experience, I learned that it's important for superiors not to get too angry and assume they have to deal with problems on their own. It can push away those who want to help and hinder the problem-solving process. It's also important to listen to others and consider their ideas, even if they are lower ranked. You never know where a great solution might come from! And of course, it's always important to be honest and transparent in communication and not try to take credit for the work of others.

So, if you're ever in a position of leadership and feeling frustrated, try to take a step back and remember that you don't have to go it alone. Your team is there to support you and offer their ideas and insights. And if you're a team member, don't be afraid to speak up and offer your thoughts, even if they differ from those of your superiors. With effective communication and collaboration, you can overcome any challenge and achieve success as a team.

Unfortunately, the Burmese military does not always follow these important rules for effective communication and collaboration. Liaisons between superiors and subordinates often struggle to pass on important information and ideas due to fear of retribution or punishment. They may be afraid to speak up or share their thoughts, even if it could help solve a problem or improve the situation.

Furthermore, the Burmese military culture often promotes blame and punishment rather than constructive criticism and problem-solving. Instead of seeking out honest and transparent communication, leaders may try to shift blame onto their subordinates or avoid accountability. This can create a toxic and unproductive work environment, and hinder the team's ability to effectively tackle challenges and achieve success.

It's important for all organizations, including the military, to foster open and respectful communication, and to encourage team members to share their ideas and thoughts. By unifying strengths and working together, teams can overcome any challenge and achieve success.