Expect the Unexpected

December 5, 2022?

Dear Leaders,?

One of the necessary challenges of leadership is to expect the unexpected. ?From the minor change to the major realignment to the catastrophic disaster, leaders must be ready to lead through it.?This week, remember 81 years ago when the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor brought World War II to the doorstep of the United States and put leadership there on the spot to deal with the immediate effects.?Men who were expecting a light-duty Sunday suddenly found themselves in the thick of war, with leaders both designated and self-appointed serving with distinction.?

One of the advantages the military has above their civilian counterparts is a distinctive hierarchy of leadership in command and control.?While training for their leaders was likely less refined than what they receive today, they were taught the fundamentals of knowing your job, making decisions quickly, and taking charge when needed.?In the chaos of the attack, these men stepped up to answer the call.??

The term hero is badly over-used in this day and age, to the point that it has become meaningless, and military men and women find it annoying.?But on that December 7th morning, and for many days and weeks thereafter, true heroes came forward, and trying to list even a few of them here would exceed the character limit.?So many took charge when other leaders were dead or wounded, directing fire on attacking planes, maneuvering their ships to avoid further disaster, saving the lives of injured men, and refusing to leave their stations when severely wounded, they were the epitome of leadership in time of catastrophe.??

Business and industry, along with public service, often does not share the definitive leadership structure for which the military is well known.?Yet leaders in these professions can use the same principles and methods in their own work, notably when faced with unexpected events or predicaments.?

Planning for emergencies is always the first and best action, for while you cannot plan for every variable or contingency, having an emergency operations plan delineating duties and requirements, and training on this plan will aid in preparation and help to minimize the effects when disaster strikes. ?

Regardless of the size of the problem, leaders need to think fast and give direction.?Indecision can turn a minor problem into a larger one, and a quandary into a cataclysm.?Nothing will destroy your credibility as a leader than the inability or failure to make a decision when expected, for when you are looking for a solution, they are looking for you to tell them what it is. ?

When no one is apparently in charge, take charge.?In times of crisis, whoever is in charge might not be present or is incapacitated, so if you come upon a scene where there is no leadership or direction, assess the situation and start giving orders.?People have a natural desire to be led, especially in times of difficulty or disaster, and if you take charge, they will follow. ?

Leadership presence is paramount in any situation, and while less is preferable during the routine, leaders need to be omnipresent in times of challenge and crisis.?Saddle up every day and ride from the front, being there for as long as it takes.?There will be days that it wears on you but know that those you lead are looking to see you in front of them and counting on you to show them the way through.?In being present, continue to evaluate the situation and make modifications as needed, reassuring your people and spreading a positive message, albeit never in a false way, but in realistically confronting and overcoming your challenges.?Don’t stop or declare victory until you have truly achieved your desired result.??????

Throughout history, we have met and triumphed over challenges and disasters of great magnitude.?Those who answered the call and survived the war faced many more challenges, yet stood victorious when it was over. ?Leadership in the face of the worst of situations has made the difference, and while your name might not appear in history books, you will be remembered by those you led in the worst of times, for they will follow you knowing that you will lead them to the best of times.?

Sincerely,

Tim