Armies have developed specific management skills that are particularly suited to face today’s challenges. We have long been aware that armies know how to manage crises and exceptional situations. However, we may not be aware that they have developed management frameworks and references that can add a lot of value for businesses in many areas. It is with this in mind that Franck Bancel (1), Henri Philippe (2), Thierry Picq (3) and Luc de Rancourt (4) have sought to analyse the French Air and Space Force’s management model and show how it can be particularly inspiring for companies in their book Adapting, deciding and acting in an uncertain future: when management takes inspiration from the air and space force (5), to be published this autumn by Dunod.
The book, whose foreword is written by the current Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force and whose afterword is written by one of his predecessors, sets out interviews with 15 senior officers, unanimously recognised for their careers and leadership qualities, who present the specific organisational and operational methods of the force.
Their contributions are commented on by business leaders from companies of various sizes and operating in different sectors. These business leaders explain how they can adopt the French Air and Space Force’s practices and identify points of convergence and divergence between the organisation and their own. At the end of each chapter, an important theme is explained and a summary can be found, highlighting certain useful questions for businesses.
The five major chapters cover forward planning, transformation, human resource management, emerging challenges and crisis management.
In many areas, the French Air and Space Force is positioned as an organisation at the forefront of management issues.
For example:
- The French Air and Space Force has developed unique expertise in managing aviation standards in a context where rising geopolitical risk is increasing pressure on the air force.
- The training programme developed by the French Air and Space Force is at the heart of its human resources model. It plays a major role in creating a sense of community, ensuring cohesion among personnel and guaranteeing that they have the highest standards of professional skills.
- In contrast to many companies, there is no ambiguity when it comes to the French Air and Space Force’s raison d’être. It clearly illustrates its identity, vision and commitments to meet the needs of society. What’s more, this raison d’être – understood, shared and upheld by all personnel – is a cornerstone of the institution.
- Finally, the French Air and Space Force is capable of considering the long term (30 years) and, at the same time, can act urgently to manage the most pressing of crises. This strategic skill is an obvious source of inspiration for companies in ‘permacrisis’.
To summarise, this book aims to facilitate interaction and skill transfer between two worlds that are largely unfamiliar with each other: the French Air and Space Force and the corporate. Beyond that, it enables readers to better understand what the French Air and Space Force is and to appreciate its effectiveness and the professionalism of its personnel, regardless of their rank.
(1) Franck Bancel is a professor at ESCP Business School.
(2) Henri Philippe is a partner at Accuracy, and an associate lecturer Paris 1-Panthéon Sorbonne University and at the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées.
(3) Thierry Picq is a professor at emlyon business school.
(4) Luc de Rancourt is an air force general (2S)
(5) « S’adapter, décider et agir en avenir incertain : quand le management s’inspire de l’Armée de l’air et de l’espace » in French
Henri Philippe, Partner, Accuracy
Franck Bancel, Professor, ESCP Business School
Accuracy Talks Straight #13 – The academic insight