Since there is no way for the body to turn A into E without going through B, C, and D, it should be evident that the overall rate at which A can become E is determined by the slowest step in between. A great deal of emphasis has been placed on the D part of this chain, based on the experience that waiting for the chain of command to make a decision and pass down orders has frequently been the rate-limiting step. However, I want to point out that if this system acts like a metabolic pathway, speeding up one particular step will only speed up the whole process until that step ceases to be the slowest step. Beyond that point any speeding of that step will make no difference, because something else is now the rate-limiting step . In the chaos of actual fighting, it is essential that every step be as fast and as good quality as it can be, because part of the chaos will inevitably be that the rate-limiting step will not always be predictably same.
Any step can be rate-limiting.
In general, anything that increases well-founded trust in subordinates, seniors, peers, self, will improve one or more of the steps in the cycle. Trust is the cornerstone of cooperation. It is a function of familiarity and respect. A senior trusts subordinates to carry out the assigned missions competently with minimal supervision, act in consonance with the overall intent, report developments as necessary, and effect the necessary coordination. Subordinates meanwhile trust that the senior will provide the necessary guidance and will support them loyally and fully, even when they make mistakes.