OASC Feedback
Well, the verdict is in after a recent visit to OASC. Not this time, come back in 6 months. Feedback isn't too bad in the grand scheme of things.
Interviewed extremely well, influenced the team and articulated thoughts clearly, and a solid team member always giving support to the leader, and calm throughout the exercises. But problem solving became a sticking point as the day went on and led to an appearance of being content to stay up with the team.
Some things to take away as I've already analysed where I went wrong...
- Make less notes in the planning ex. You only need them for the answer sheet as you get the scenario back. (they let us keep the map). Allow more time for SDT calcs.
- Analysis paralysis is an issue. Without shifting the blame and upon reflection, I think my whole syndicate suffered from this. Too much time discussing options led to inaction. At the start of the planning ex discussion, we went through each other's plan when we should have said "who's got a plan that works and will get us there quickly - there's lives to save" etc. There was a similar element in the leaderless and command exercises too. 4-5 ideas before one was agreed and movement made. Take calculated risks.
Important bit is to just get moving and try things. You don't know if they won't work until you've tried them, and trying and failing is part of problem solving. Also to be explicit and state what the problem is before giving a solution.