What does the ability to make sound judgment and act independently refer to?

The ability to make sound judgment and act independently is best referred to as command intent. This concept emphasizes empowering individuals within a leadership framework to understand the vision and objectives established by the leader, enabling them to make informed decisions in alignment with these goals. Command intent fosters autonomy, allowing team members to use their critical thinking skills to navigate situations effectively, especially in dynamic or unpredictable environments.

In a leadership context, this principle is essential for maintaining flexibility while ensuring that the actions taken by individuals contribute to the overall mission. It encourages a culture of trust and accountability, where team members feel confident to take initiative based on the underlying principles guiding their decisions. Therefore, the ability to make sound judgments independently is a fundamental component of command intent, aligning individual actions with broader organizational strategy and objectives.