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Critical Thinking as a Strategic Weapon: Marcus Dimbleby on Red Teaming, Engagement, and Execution
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Engagement isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage.
In this episode of Strategy Meets Reality, Mike Jones is joined by Marcus Dimbleby—former RAF, red teaming expert, and founder of Effective Direction—to explore how critical thinking and challenge cultures sharpen execution in complex environments.
Marcus explains why most organisations suffer from self-inflicted complexity, why outputs are mistaken for outcomes, and how empowerment without clarity or capability leads nowhere. From psychological safety to adaptive planning and human-led strategy, this is a grounded conversation on execution that works under pressure.
🔍 In this episode:
- Why red teaming unlocks the best ideas—not just hierarchy-approved ones
- The ROI of engagement and the real cost of quiet quitting
- Why complexity isn’t the enemy—but confusion is
- How psychological safety enables challenge, not comfort
- The problem with planning theatre and faux empowerment
- Critical thinking as the foundation of execution
🎧 Keywords: Red Teaming, Strategy Execution, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Organisational Complexity, Psychological Safety, Empowerment, Engagement, Mission Command, Organisational Design
📘 Learn more about Marcus’s work: https://www.effectivedirection.com/
📬 Connect with Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusdimbleby
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🔗 Full episodes, show notes, and resources: https://www.lbiconsulting.com/strategymeetsreality-podcast
📺 Watch on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@StrategyMeetsReality
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout
💬 Connect with host Mike Jones → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-h-jones/
Chapters
1. Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Understanding Red Teaming (00:02:29)
3. The Power of Diverse Perspectives (00:04:33)
4. Engagement and Productivity through Red Teaming (00:07:38)
5. The Challenge of Measuring Outcomes (00:09:41)
6. Overcoming Complexity in Organisations (00:12:39)
7. Psychological Safety and Its Impact (00:15:22)
8. Transforming Mindsets and Behaviours (00:19:48)
9. Challenging Existing Processes (00:22:49)
10. Engagement and Quiet Quitting (00:27:12)
11. Understanding Organisational Dynamics (00:28:12)
12. Internal vs External Focus (00:30:02)
13. Active Listening and Critical Thinking (00:30:45)
14. Empowerment and Decision Rights (00:32:37)
15. The Importance of Planning (00:34:11)
16. Training for Adaptability (00:36:18)
17. Clarity and Capability in Leadership (00:38:20)
18. Involvement in Planning (00:39:24)
19. The Role of AI in Strategy (00:41:25)
20. Critical Thinking in a Complex World (00:45:39)
21. Outro (00:53:28)
23 episodes
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