Leading in Uncertainty - The Stockdale Paradox
Andrew Bryant, CSP
?? Global Leadership Authority | ?? Bestselling Author: Self-Leadership, Team Performance, and Human Potential | ?? Executive Coach to Fortune 500 Leaders | ??International Keynote Speaker
Leadership is challenging at the best of times, but during periods of uncertainty and rapid change, it requires a special mindset.
In this video, part of my Leadership Accelerator Program, I talk about the 'Stockdale Paradox'. This term was used by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great, after interviewing Admiral James Stockdale. Stockdale had been the highest ranking military officer held and tortured in the 'Hanoi Hilton', a Vietnamese Prison. Admiral Stockdale was shot down in during the war between America and Vietnam in 1965. He was held for 8-years with no certainty that he would survive, be released, or ever see his family again.
The Stockdale Paradox
The Paradox of Leading in Uncertainty is that you mus face the brutal fact of your current reality AND never lose faith that you will prevail.
Leadership in Uncertainty and Rapid Change
If you find yourself in a leadership position during uncertainty and rapid change, it is essential the you communicate clearly, consistently and with empathy.
Great leadership contain the following:
- Validation and belief in the capability of the people
- The Truth and the facts behind that truth
- A Vision of triumph through the current adversity
In times of uncertainty, people appreciate Articulate Leadership and yet to often leaders obfuscate, procrastinate and shun responsibility.
As I coach senior leaders through this current crisis, it is inspiring to see those who can embrace the Stockdale Paradox.
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4 年Andrew Bryant, CSP , This is such an important insight that all of us - irrespective whether they are leader or not - should understand about uncertainty. Thank you for posting this. Bart
International ???????????????????? ???????????????????? & Organisational Culture Consultant, 2x ???????? ?? Keynote Speaker, Author, Trainer & Mentor. Developing Delightful Leaders, Organizations, and Communities.
4 年great post Andrew Bryant, CSP. Great message for our time. We have a saying in Hebrew that "God only helps those who help themselves." Optimism for me a scale with a healthy side two negative tails. I wonder what do you think is the difference between hope and faith. Interestingly, in his first blog on LinkedIn, Lenny RAVICH, the author of #everlastingoptimism says "8. Be a realist, not a delusional optimist nor a doomsday prophet:" https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/covid-19-good-time-have-your-engine-fine-tuned-lenny-ravich/
Pepsico VBL |Art of Working | MIT Boston | Kellogg School of Management | Indian School of Business Hyderabad | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | CNN News18 | Startup mentor
4 年Andrew good to see you 'super active' in these difficult times. Great leaders lead when the chips are down.