Breaking patterns - what and why before how

Last week, a little-reported story came across my Dutch newsfeed.

The Netherlands integrated the last Dutch army brigade into the German army. The Dutch 13th Light Brigade will now come under the command of Germany's 10 Panzer Division.

I needed to read it a few times to be sure I understood. As part of the Common Army Vision, The Netherlands is placing its army units under the command of Germany - a nation that occupied them only 75 years ago.

It struck me as a remarkably counterintuitive approach. If the objective is peace, what better way to ensure that outcome than to imbed your citizens into the military ranks of a formerly hostile neighbor. Something like the modern equivalent of Europe's old monarchies marrying into each other's families.

I'm not suggesting it's a model for everyone. In fact, less than a day's drive from the Dutch/German border, Europe again finds itself at war. These are complex times.

There is, however, a lesson here for leaders. A broader range of choices can emerge when you first focus on (and prioritize) the what and why before committing to the how. How is often where we get stuck in unhelpful repeating patterns.

The Netherlands wanted a military strategy that ensured sustainable peace so that the tragedies of the last century could never repeat (their What and Why)

Their HOW, while a radical departure from classic military doctrine, might reflect the kind of openness to new ideas the world needs (and that the Dutch have always been known for).