Courage. Our model of leadership comes from our own tribal history, from the tradition of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Traditional leaders had the courage to act, even though it might mean putting their own lives at risk, and those of all the people who followed them.
Many examples of courageous leadership can be found in our own history. The quote below is not from a history textbook, but from a book on business strategy called “The genius of Sitting Bull”.
“…. within three days of the Sun Dance, held from June 12 to 14, Sitting Bull joined Crazy Horse to lead 800 warriors against General “Three Stars” Crook and a superior force of nearly 1,3000 troopers and enemy Indian scouts. Crazy Horse’s study of Bluecoat tactics had convinced him that the Sioux could beat Crook, and Sitting Bull, though weakened by two days and nights of dancing, fasting, and sacrificial bleeding, agreed because he knew that nothing would more powerfully reinforce his people’s resolve than an immediate victory in battle. He did not need to wait for all components of his plan to fall into place before he took action.”
That is a very important point. Often the businesses that do the most analysis fail. We are not saying that you should just jump in without knowing any facts about a situation. Read that quote again, “Crazy Horse’s study of Bluecoat tactics had convinced him … “
How many times have we seen it happen when it is obvious what needs to be done but the manager will ask for one more person’s opinion, go one level higher to get the decision made or permission to act?