Page "Blitzkrieg" Paragraph 33

Directive control was a fast and flexible method of command.

Rather than receiving an explicit order, a commander would be told of his superior's intent and the role which his unit was to fill in this concept.

The exact method of execution was then a matter for the low-level commander to determine as best fit the situation.

Staff burden was reduced at the top and spread among commands more knowledgeable about their own situation.

In addition, the encouragement of initiative at all levels aided implementation.

As a result, significant decisions could be effected quickly and either verbally or with written orders a few pages in length.