About-Face on Afghanistan?
One of the toughest decisions for any leader is to reverse a course he or she has set, as executives at companies like Citigroup and Time Inc. have done recently. President Obama now faces such a decision on Afghanistan. How should a leader evaluate and execute an about face?
Neither Hamlet Nor Bush
If President Obama is reconsidering our policy in Afghanistan, that is the essential act of a leader -- not an "about face."
Not Just Afghanistan
A Pakistan destabilized from Afghanistan and its own Tribal Areas presents an unacceptable strategic prospect.
Facing Up to Facts
I believe victory is still possible in Afghanistan--but it will require brutal honesty and a renewal of support for our mission there.
Hated Invaders
The U.S .did not lose its friends in Asia by leaving Vietnam, where we were supporting, as now in Afghanistan, a corrupt government against an insurgency with deep roots in the country.
The Right Decision
Making the right decisions and executing them -- whether an about face or full steam ahead -- always require listening, planning, then leading.
The Difficult Road
If a policy is not working and will not work, a president, like a CEO, must act decisively, explain his decision clearly and move on. Few have ever been willing to do so.
Relentless Communication
Once the decision has been made to execute an about face, any leader needs to communicate, communicate, communicate.
Intelligent Resolve
A good leader must explain with patience and clarity the reasons for the change, as the public will not follow an uncertain leader.
Boldly Reconsidering
Obama could do the nation, indeed the world, a favor if he could convert such a major change in course into a learning experience.
The Necessity of U-Turns
Leadership is all about adjusting--wisely and swiftly--to overwhelming evidence or changes in the external environment.
Save & Share:
dnjake: I used to work for a large company that was in relative control of its fate. It had some kind of five year plan. But the reality was that ...
lionelroger: Losing face? Its too late for that-we haven't got a face.
Neither Iraq or Afghanistan declared War on us and we've killed and maimed thousa...
LTC-11A: I was in SE Afghanistan in March of 2003 during the initial invasion of Iraq. Already critical and vital components of the Special Operatio...
