[March 17, 2015] Deep in the manmade tunnels of Cheyenne Mountain in the state of Colorado is located the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Stenciled on one of the tunnel walls is a quote from an Air Force general, “Perfect performance might just be good enough.” One implication is that since perfection is impossible, it is up to human leadership to be the solution to be just good enough.
NORAD’s mission is to provide the aerospace and maritime warning and control of the defense of North America. Impossible? Whether leaders are responsible to prevent war, successfully negotiate a treaty, or merge large commercial companies, the deciding factor in whether such a venture succeeds will always be in the overarching leadership, not the performance of single individuals. And sometimes there appears to be no good choices from which to make a decision … that is where leaders make the difference.
To use a military phrase, successful leadership means applying the “art of command.” In other words, a leader provides the long view – sometimes called strategic vision – that is the guide to overcoming obstacles to victory. Senior leaders can be neither successful nor helpful to their people without this high-level strategic view.
Ordinary leaders have courage, integrity, ability to form teams, etc. But only the greatest of leaders are capable of leading when we experience the darkest hours of war, famine, and pestilence. Even when the perfect performance of everyone is just good enough, the great leader is able to make the leap beyond what seems impossible and creates a path to success and sheppards us along to ensure we do not stray.
Why is leadership so important? Humans are far from perfect, that is why leadership is necessary and why people will always flock to the greatest leaders.
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