I’ve noticed how all too often the wrong people are running things. You’ve probably noticed the same thing. It seems particularly prevalent in politics where we often talk about the way someone is a great campaigner but then incompetent in office. Unfortunately, mediocrity at the top is prevalent everywhere.
This has always perplexed me. Why have those with the skills most useful for being exceptional leaders wound up stuck in the middle while those lacking in ability to actually lead us past our many problems wind up making the decisions?
Then I read the lecture that William Deresiewicz gave to the plebe class at the United States Military Academy at West Point in October 2009: Solitude and Leadership. It is exceptional.
Deresiewicz clearly explains how we are training leaders who only know how to keep the routine going, whose expertise is maneuvering…not thinking.
Which brings him to talk about what makes a real leader: the ability to think for himself or herself…and have the courage to fight for their thoughts.
To my amazement, Deresiewicz then starts talking about how you learn to think by discussing multitasking…and it’s way of destroying your ability to think. I’ve often said this same thing myself. Thinking requires concentration, total focus without disruption or distraction. Thus, his title, Solitude and Leadership.
To all of you reading this who either are…or strive to be…leaders, read this lecture. At this time of year, this time of reflection on the year past and the year to come, turn off the noise and think…really think…about who you are, what you believe, and if you are just in front of the herd as it goes over the cliff or actually leading it down a path leading to survival…and greatness.
Steve,
Where do you get this stuff? This is a great read and one of the most thought provoking items I’ve read recently. I couldn’t help thinking about my long career and reflecting on some of the people with whom I worked over the years, particularly those in the corporate world. It sounds as though Mr. Deresiewicz met some of them on both sides of the spectrum. Keep it up!
Tom