Can an officer work within a system and command independently?

Is the choice between an officer who works within a system and one who can be trusted with independent responsibility?

Ideally an officer can do both, but combining those strengths is difficult and relatively uncommon.

The choice between organizational competence and independent responsibility need not be absolute. The preferred officer can work within the naval system while also exercising command without close supervision. Combining both strengths is difficult, and few officers are judged to manage it equally well. Career histories and appointments help show the responsibilities for which individual officers have been prepared.