[October 20, 2015] One of my early military mentors advised me that to do well required being able to keep my head together while everyone else around me was losing theirs. Of course, it’s not that leaders thrive on chaos but that they can thrive in chaos. It requires special skills and experience that a leader either has or doesn’t to function when things are chaotic.
“The Gods are unkind and deny us knowledge of what the future holds.” – Peter L. Bernstein
The future is unpredictable and no matter what we are told by senior leaders, no one can accurate predict it. The question therefore must be asked, are there factors that distinguish great leaders from others … those who can successful function in times of tremendous uncertainty and disorder? The answer is, “yes” we can.
There is the myth that the greatest leaders are those who are risk-seekers and adventurous. Nothing could be further from the truth about people who have great achievements. While they will take risks, sometimes great risks, it is not without careful study and a cautious approach. Even the World War II allied landings on Leyte Island which began on this date in 1944 – one of the greatest risks of the Pacific theater of war – required months of detailed staff work and detailed intelligence gathering.1
More than anything else, those who achieve great things are those who are quickest to adapt (both personally and organizationally), have relevant experiences (overcoming obstacles, ambiguity, and adversity), and also have a bit of good luck. Great leaders know when to do the right thing and that sometimes that may mean doing nothing at all. They are visionary, of course, but are cautious in their execution and have a disciplined approach to getting things done.
Only the greatest of leaders can thrive in an environment of chaos. Sometimes it’s easy because in the West we are taught to avoid controversy, especially of provocative or political ideas that make people uncomfortable. Leaders who can thrive are both resilient, and in some ways, they are also lucky people because they are free to think.
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- 1. The sea battle of Leyte Gulf was the same story as the landings on the island; great loss of ships and sailors was horrendous for both sides. See http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-forces-land-at-leyte-island-in-the-philippines