The Wisdom of Tacit Knowing-in-Action and Mission Command

Abstract

Adult learners regularly confront complex and dynamic challenges in moments of crisis that require self-efficacy of intuition and immediate decision. Such “snap decision-making” requires highly developed critical thinking skills to effectively operate in the midst of chaos. This decisiveness is particularly challenging in the military profession of arms and professions such as emergency management and health care. Lifelong learning demands creative thinking to shape experiences, develop expertise, and demonstrate personal confidence. This case study encourages continued research of intuition in decision-making by professional practitioners who regularly make decisions in moments of crisis. An after-action review process can elicit perceptions of tacit prompts that compel action. What would happen if the adult learner could apply wisdom of personal intuition—tacit knowing-in-action—to make improved decisions in moments of crisis? The potential for improved professional competence in crisis incidents is profound. This article promotes a concept for continued exploration of tacit knowing-in-action wisdom and research-to-practice of intuition in adult education.