[May 27, 2017] If we were able to peer into the mindset of a narcissist, inexperienced manager, or failed leader the one thing we would find in common is their penchant at creating confusion. Yet, it is the epitome of great leaders to thrive on making the best of volatility, uncertainty, chaos, and ambiguity in complex environments.
Experienced, professional leaders stand out when they are presented with difficult challenges; they do so by creating clarity and order. This is why such leaders are invaluable to any organization and why so many can move between such diverse organizations as the military, universities, and large conglomerate enterprises. For example, we see many senior military flag officers became presidents and CEOs in many large commercial companies.
One thing they have in common is the uncanny ability to make simple those things that are complex. Those who study leadership often say that those leaders often over simplify but I’m of the outlook that they are simply better able to explain and eliminate confusion. Perhaps it is because, it has been postulated, that such leaders are well grounded in their faith, their family, and their communities.
“Science is a way of life, a perspective, a process that takes us from confusion to understanding in a manner that’s precise, predictive, and reliable – a transformation that is empowering and emotional.” – Brian Greene, American theoretical physicist and mathematician
Great leaders can take us from a confused state to a one of precision and understanding. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet such a senior leader while in South Korea. The commander of Eighth U.S. Army was an exceptional man of the highest integrity and leadership qualities. Better than anyone I’ve ever met, he could take a confusing, complex, and nasty situation and turn it completely around.
To this day I remain amazed at his skill in doing so. I would take notes when allowed (some of what he said was classified) and as I go back to read those notes years later I find them to be astonishing as it showed me his thinking process. I was fortunate to have worked on his staff as his senior engineer.
When we find those types of leaders, they should be put in charge immediately; for they are the rarest and most valuable of all.
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]