Monday, September 9, 2013

What lesson does Ender learn from Bonzo Madrid about being a commander?

What Ender learns from Bonzo is based on Bonzo's mistakes,
rather than his strengths.  Ender primarily learns what not to do from
Bonzo.


Here are a couple of
specifics:


  1. Operate under cool anger, rather than
    hot anger.  Don't let your anger consume you - but use it to fuel intelligent
    decisions.

  2. An atmosphere of fear and threat might bring a
    group together, but it doesn't necessarily optimize
    performance.

  3. It is important to know each member of your
    army.

  4. Complete control isn't necessary for winning
    battles - in fact, it is almost unrealistic as it is too
    inhibiting.

On the positive side, Bonzo does do
a couple of things that Ender later realizes were
effective:


  1. Neat and orderly barracks minimize
    stress and create a comfortably controlled environment.

  2. A
    sense of unity (within the army) can be achieved through rehearsed group responses. 
    (However, this appearance of unity does not necessarily mean it exists.  If it does
    exist, this practice can enhance it.)

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