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Coloring Outside the Lines: Leading Through Deregulation

The other day at the Pentagon, I was talking to a leader about the wave of changes occurring across the Department of Defense in response to the President’s deregulation initiative. They mentioned how their inbox was overflowing with questions — some complex policy inquiries, others so basic they left them speechless.

Then came the punchline:

And there it was — the perfect metaphor for what happens when a regulated system suddenly finds itself in deregulation. Some people thrive when given freedom. Others, however, feel stranded — like standing in the middle of a vast, open field with no map, no compass, and definitely no breadcrumbs to follow. They feel a bit lost without that familiar set of rules to lean on.

Deregulation: The Double-Edged Sword

At its core, government deregulation aims to cut red tape, improve efficiency, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles — sounds great, right? While it offers benefits, it also presents challenges, especially for those who have spent years relying on rigid guidelines to make decisions.

The impact of deregulation varies across different levels of an organization. Senior leaders often welcome the ability to make strategic decisions faster, while mid-level managers may struggle with unclear boundaries. Meanwhile, frontline workers may feel the most immediate effects, as they navigate new ways of completing daily tasks without familiar guidance.

Let’s examine these realities more closely:

  • Adjustment Period – Employees who are accustomed to strict guidance may struggle to make independent decisions.
  • Risk of Misinterpretation – Without clear directives, inconsistent interpretations could lead to operational confusion.
  • Accountability Concerns – Fewer mandates may require stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent mismanagement.

Navigating the Transition

Deregulation doesn’t have to mean chaos — it can open doors to new opportunities. If you find yourself unsure of where to start, here’s how to navigate the shift:

  • Trust Your Judgment – Bureaucracy often rewards compliance over critical thinking. Now’s the time to lean into your expertise and instincts rather than waiting for someone to tell you what’s next.
  • Empower Your Team – Some employees will hesitate without structured guidelines. Coach hesitant employees to build confidence in their decision-making rather than micromanaging every step.
  • Find the Right Balance – Cutting the red tape doesn’t mean throwing out all structure. Create flexible frameworks that provide direction while allowing room for creativity and independent thought.

In essence, deregulation isn’t about removing structure — it’s about shifting mindsets. The key is to view this transition not as a loss of guidelines, but as an opportunity to shape a more dynamic future. The leaders who embrace flexibility and learn to color outside the lines with confidence will be the ones who thrive.


Adeline (Addy) Maissonet is a Procurement Analyst for the Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy (DPCAP) within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). She serves as a senior advisor on contracting policies and procedures and the agency’s representative on the Department’s views on proposed legislation to Congressional members, their staff, and committee staffers. Prior to her current role, Addy served as a Division Chief and Contracting Officer with unlimited warrant authority for the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) – Fort Eustis, Virginia. Addy holds an MBA in Management and Contracting Level III Certification under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act. She is a graduate from Cornell University’s Executive Leadership Certificate Program. In her free time, Addy enjoys hiking and overlanding with her family and friends.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense.

Photo credit: TwentySeven at iStock

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