3 things stand out when I observe BDE & BN HQs. The best CSMs:

1. Do NOT circulate with the CDR. They can visualize the battlefield twice as much if the CDR & CSM go in different directions. Then compare notes when back in the TOC. https://twitter.com/stoneyportis/status/1296863029330677760

2. The best CSMs observe their CDR. They know what keeps him/her up at night. They understand concerns about decisive point, or perhaps lack of comms w/ certain units. Then THEY GO. They reinforce intent with F2F, candid conversations. Simply put, they can assuage CDR’s concerns.

3. Lastly, CSMs can accomplish #1 & #2 AND help the HQ with an important third thing: the delivery of analog plans & control measures to units. AKA, they can be the C or the E in PACE.