4-49. Effective commanders use technology to enable a mission command approach to command and control, not to micromanage operations. Equipment that improves the ability to monitor the situation at lower levels increases the temptation to directly control subordinates’ actions and thereby undermine mission command. Moreover, such use tends to fix the higher echelon commander’s attention at too low a level. Commanders who focus at too low a level risk losing sight of the larger overall picture. Consequently, increased network capabilities bring the need for increased understanding and discipline. Just because technology allows detailed supervision does not mean commanders should employ it in that manner. Effective mission command requires senior commanders to give the on-scene commander freedom to exercise initiative.