When to Take a Bullet?
As the heroic Capt. Richard Phillips reminded us when he offered himself to the pirates instead of his crew, sea captains, like all good leaders, are expected to sacrifice themselves and their personal interests to protect those under their command. What are other examples from other fields of endeavor of leaders who have succeeded or failed to live up to this obligation? What factors should leaders consider when deciding when and whether to make extraordinary personal sacrifices?
The Highest Example
The heroics of Captain Richard Phillips reflect the expectations of military culture: that a commander is responsible for success and failure. And as Gandhi and Dr. King remind us, such leadership values are universal.
Protecting Life
By offering himself to the pirates as a hostage, he risked his life to protect his crew. In this time of self-serving leaders, his example is inspiring.
Going to Jerusalem
Captain Phillips did exactly what he was supposed to do in protecting his crew. Real leadership is going beyond the call of duty, like Anwar Sadat risking peace with Israel -- and paying the ultimate price for it.
Last in Line for Reward
Personal sacrifice is the currency of leadership, as George Washington, Lincoln, Gandhi, King -- and now Capt. Phillips -- have shown us. Who doesn't get that message? CEOs who took bonuses while their employees suffered.
A Female Hero
Captain Phillips demonstrated one kind of heroic leadership: offering to pay the ultimate price to protect others. But women like the colonial women's-rights pioneer, Anne Hutchinson, shows a different kind of courage: sacrificing yourself for a just cause.
Critical Moments
On most days, what is good for our organizations is good for us too. But when collective purpose and self-interest diverge, that is when a person's leadership qualities are laid bare.
Emergency Leadership
In a time of extreme crisis, a leader must be able to instill confidence in followers -- and know that the ones he or she may leave behind will be taken care of.
More Instinct Than Analysis
The more taking a bullet is a decision rather than a life mission; self-promotion rather than selflessness, the less likely you are to make the sacrifice, or to be a great leader.
Uncomplaining Courage
The question about Captain Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama brings to mind another sea-faring leader, the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who endured physical and mental extremes to rescue his own men.
Culture Teaches Sacrifice
it is reassuring to see a leader sacrifice for his followers. I wonder how Wall Street "leaders" would have acted in this same situation: Perhaps the CEOs might have cut a deal to scuttle the ship for a share of the loot!
Save & Share:
analyst72: "All good leaders, are expected to sacrifice themselves and their personal interests to protect those under their command." Not true.
Hitler...
mstratas: It is heartening to know that there are still many Americans of integrity, courage and selfless valor like Capt. Phillips. If Wall Street a...
