EPISODE 143

problem solving as a team sport

Aug 15, 2023 | Podcast

A tactical team waits around the corner of a building for an explosive breach to open the door. This is set in a training environment

In the pop-culture tactical world today it’s common to see Col. Boyd’s Decision Cycle, the famed “OODA Loop”, applied to individuals and their actions, but indeed it has its origins as an institutional concept. If you need to solve problems as a team, or even an institution, it’s important to know how it applies to group tactics and operations. In this episode Mike and Jim dive into just that.

Institutional knowledge and memory are what gets used to solve problems, and that’s why it’s important for an organization to select compulsive problem-solvers as members. Everyone is going to bring their own viewpoint based on their specialty, but it’s important for them to know when the problem is outside of their specialty, as well as how they can contribute when it’s time to get…unconventional. Tune in to learn how to teach your team the difference.

Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents
You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group.
Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com

Like what we’re doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe.

Intro music credit Bensound.com

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE NOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! PLEASE GO CHECK THEM OUT

DripDrop White Text
POM Pepper Spray Logo
DripDrop White Text
POM Pepper Spray Logo

Recent Episodes

It’s Chess AND Checkers–Tactics and Strategy Unite!

It’s Chess AND Checkers–Tactics and Strategy Unite!

Why do we focus so much on tactics and so little on strategy? In this episode, Mike and Jim tackle the divide between street-level action and big-picture thinking. Drawing on lessons from policing, the military, and community crime prevention, they explore how individual cops, community members, and leaders can influence criminal decision-making—not just react to it.

Topics include resource constraints, the Broken Windows theory, and strategies for shifting offender perceptions to prevent crime before it occurs.

Hazing vs. Hardening: Building Strong Teams Without Breaking People

Hazing vs. Hardening: Building Strong Teams Without Breaking People

Hazing, or just holding the new guy to a high standard? That line matters—and we’re walking it in this episode. Mike and Jim break down where real team-building ends and toxic tradition begins. We’re talking SWAT school, academy culture, leadership, and how to onboard new teammates without wrecking morale. This one’s about building teams that are tough, smart, and built to last.