A Bias for Action

I believe that President Obama's handling of the Gates-Crowley affair highlights five significant lessons learned:

1. Great leaders grow a culture of dignity and respect with unambiguous clarity.

2. The first report is always wrong. Great leaders exhibit "tactical patience" and get the facts before taking action.

3. Great leaders intently listen and "never pass up an opportunity to keep their mouth shut." Listening is an acquired skill.

4. Great leaders build a culture of learning with accountability within their organizations.

5. Great leaders exhibit a "bias for action." Once known, facts are deliberately confronted.

I believe that the so-called beer-garden summit was a reaction to early mistakes. At the end of the day, a bias for action appears to have successfully turned the situation around.

By Gen. John Batiste (Ret.)

 |  August 3, 2009; 11:57 AM ET
Category:  Making mistakes Save & Share:                 
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