When resources do not align with mission requirements, what should leaders do?

• A. Ignore the gap and press forward with the current plan.
• B. Acknowledge the gap, reassess plan and priorities, and reallocate or request resources with intent.
• C. Wait for resources to magically appear before acting.
• D. Unilaterally cut other priorities to free resources.

Answer: (B)

When resources don’t align with mission requirements, leaders must take ownership of the gap and adjust course accordingly. The best approach is to acknowledge what’s missing, reassess the plan and priorities, and reallocate or request resources with intent. This keeps the mission at the forefront, prevents wasted effort, and demonstrates accountability by actively closing the gap. It may mean tightening or redefining priorities, outlining what must be funded now, and communicating the rationale to stakeholders to secure what’s needed. Ignoring the gap and pressing forward with the current plan, waiting for resources to appear, or unilaterally cutting other priorities without a deliberate, strategic plan all fail to address the mismatch and risk derailment of critical objectives.