The Blame or Fault Lies with the Leader

Accountability and character are essential for leaders

Allies Liberate France: D-Day 1944 by Robert Huffstutter (Flickr - CC BY 2.0)

“Life is divided into three periods: past, present, and future. Of these, the present is short, the future is doubtful, the past is certain.” — Seneca, 49

When we look back upon major events in history, we see them as turning points.

Caesar crossing the Rubicon. America taking on the greatest army in the world in 1776. The largest military maritime landing in history in 1944.

As we look at them now, they’re certainties. But Caesar didn’t know his gambit would pay off. Many Americans were in doubt about the revolution and were still loyal to the crown. And the Allies didn’t know if they would successfully land 150,000 troops to storm the beach at Normandy.

Seneca’s observation above is an important one: nothing in the future — nothing — is certain. Leaders need to have contingency plans and adapt to the changing market forces on the fly if necessary.

Every leader needs a plan. But they also need backup plans.

Gre…