The messy avenue of persuasion

Have you ever heard a candidate for office who did not promise leadership, even in a race for fire-district commissioner? Who do they think will be their followers?

But the military is totally different. As an organized and formal hierarchy, differences of opinion are valued and frequent in the run up to a decision, but when it's made, it is the decision of the service.
The public, therefore, sees a decisive and effective institution that more often than not attains its goals.

Politics and public policy don't operate that way, and in a free society they shouldn't. As a consequence, leadership is much more difficult and must be conducted on the messy and congested avenue of persuasion.

By Slade Gorton

 |  November 3, 2009; 6:52 AM ET
Category:  Military Leadership Save & Share:                 
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