[September 8, 2015] There are many traits that separate a true leader from a wannabe leader; that someone who lacks the requirements, skills, and talent to be an effective leader. The true leader has the grit and the courage to do those necessary things even when they’re afraid of the consequences of a particular decision or action. Usually a leader knows what is the best decision but is fearful of the cost to them personally.
In late 2004, a close friend of mine told me (in confidence at the time, but okay to tell now) that he had “fired” an Iraqi construction contractor that was a close relative of Ayad Allawi, the acting Prime Minister of Iraq. The contractor had created an uproar in the U.S. military community by loudly displaying his displeasure at being “insulted” by the United States and promising to take his case to the Prime Minister.
My friend feared for blowback on this potential political incident. Despite having legal cause to remove the contractor from his signed contract, he was aware of how sensitive the U.S. government was to Iraqi concerns. It was also a very difficult time during the battle against Iraqi insurgents and the Coalition needed everyone driving to the single goal of winning the fight against a tough and determined enemy.
Eventually everything turned out okay but my friend was shaken by the incident and was more reluctant over the next few years to get rid of underperforming contractors. In essence he was paralyzed by the looming challenge of doing what was right against the personal and professional consequences of his actions. He told me he dreaded going to work every day for months after the incident.
This provides an example that shows that the qualities of a good leader are not to be taken lightly. A fearful leader would have relented and reinstated the PM’s relative to his contractor status, money would have flowed to a construction contractor that did not meet safety standards, and someone may have been injured or killed while using the building.
Whether we have to fire an employee, start over on an expensive project, or inform our boss about the improper behavior of another employee, decisions for the leader are hard. The leader has to act regardless of being afraid of the consequences. If they are doing the right thing and they know it, the best thing to do is to take that first step and get started. That is why they are a leader in the first place.
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