The secret of spontaneous leadership?
Once again this past weekend, a terrorist attack on an airplane was foiled by a quick- thinking passenger. What qualities distinguish those "ordinary" people who, in a crisis, take such a leadership role? Can that instinct be taught or is it simply part of a person's makeup?
Doing smarter with less
Fewer resources make all of the basics even more important: focusing on strategy, nurturing talent, insisting on accountability.
The engaged leader
It is direct engagement - not memos, emails and videos - that spawns empowerment and innovation.
Lean thinking
If all you want to do is cut costs, then you don't need a leader; you need an accountant.
The gumption to act
Part of leadership, in a crisis situation or any other, is having the gumption to believe your approach is valuable and worth advancing.
What soldiers do
We justly admire civilians like Jasper Schuringa, but in Iraq and Afghanistan, valor is demonstrated daily, in the most austere and dangerous conditions, by those in uniform.
Teaching courage
Jasper Schuringa didn't have special skills, but he did have courage. If the Cowardly Lion can do it, so can you.
Waking up to lead
Unlike so many who go through life half asleep, natural leaders are wide awake. They see a threat and act.
Inspiring boldness
These moments of courage by regular citizens remind me of the power of action and our ability to create change rather than simply follow others and do nothing.
Quick AND effective
The instinct to react immediately may be inborn, but the ability to react effectively is learned.
The leader in 20J
Jasper Schuringa possessed no playbook, no rules to follow or training, and certainly had no prior experience fighting terrorism.
An instinctual sense
Leadership is sometimes just the manifestation of an instinctual sense of responsibility.
Acts of optimism
Sometimes we find ourselves in a time and place not of our own choosing where our gift meets the world's need.
Deeply held values
We may not be able to teach instinct, but we can definitely teach values.
Save & Share:
dcampbell1: We should be careful not to confuse leadership and heroism. The passenger was indeed heroic, willing to place himself in even more immediate...
SoupLine: Some men are leaders and others are followers. One day a situation will occur where you will either rise to the occasion or you will seek c...
JamesChristian: He did what needed to be done at the time. The "Let's roll" folks taught a valuable lesson. If it happens, the passengers have to take actio...
