When Leaders and Followers Disagree: The Rift Between President Obama and General McChrystal
“There are going to be times when we can’t wait for somebody. Now, you’re either on the bus or off the bus.” – from The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe
.jpg)
The morning the news broke about the “rift” between General McChrystal and President Obama, my husband asked me what I would advise the President if I were his coach.
At first I thought this is the President of the United States we’re talking about and not just any leader in a Fortune 500 company.
Then I realized that there is very little difference between the advice I’d give the President or anyone else.
So, here’s my advice to both leaders and followers and, especially to you President Obama, should you read my post. Hey, you never know!
Differing Views
A leader should always listen, acknowledge and carefully weigh what everyone on the team has to say and then make a decision that he or she feels is the best decision based on the information he or she has received.
This process should never be rushed as often happens when leaders feel pressure to respond quickly. Leaders need to make and take time to reflect and stand firm about this.
On The Same Page
In order for any initiative to succeed – whether it is a war or to do an acquisition - everyone involved has to be on the same page.
They must not only share the same vision, they must be committed fully to its execution – and I mean fully committed. From my perspective it was clear that was not the case between the President and General McChrystal.
Be Transparent
Once the decision has been made, thank everyone involved for giving input and make it crystal clear (no pun intended) as to why you believe your decision is the best way to go.
Speak individually to those who disagreed. This will make them feel that their input was heard, considered and acknowledged. It’s also an opportunity for you to assess who is really with you or just giving “lip service.” Did President Obama miss the signals?
Don’t Say It Unless You Mean It
If you don’t agree with the decision and know in your heart that you cannot support the decision then you must say so.
As Jim Collins says in Good to Great, “are you on the bus or off the bus?” If you’re not, then you must leave.
Don’t Air Your Dirty Laundry In Public
Followers should never, ever say they support a decision and then do everything they can to undermine the leader and the decision, as was the case with McChrystal.
The most egregious thing the General did was to air his disapproval of the President’s agenda to his troops as well as not stopping them from sharing this information in public and in his presence.
Who Has The Final Word?
In the end, the leader is the leader and he or she makes the final decision whether you like it or not. You don’t have to agree with it, you just have to support it.
It was apparent that General McChrystal had to go and I was not at all surprised when he resigned. He should have done it sooner.
If you are reading this President Obama and you like what I’ve written and want a coach, let me know.
