Vital Questions for Leaders

General George S. Patton gave us many maximums for leaders. One that has often saved my bacon, “We must always know exactly what we know and what we do not know”, reminds us of the critical nature of vital facts and information. Knowing what you do not know is often more important than knowing what you know. Patton was known for his quip, “how do you know that?” This is a profoundly simple and effective method for sorting out opinion from fact.

The Ia Drang Valley lies in western Vietnam on the Cambodian border. It was here that the 450 men of the 1st Infantry Battalion, 7th Calvary, were inserted by helicopter on November 14, 1965. Over the next three days the first major battle of the Vietnam War would unfold in a 54-hour shootout. This seminal event was later chronicled in the Hollywood movie, We Were Soldiers Once and Young, starring Mel Gibson playing the role of Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, the 1st Battalion Commander.

Hal Moore, like Patton, was a leader who led from the front. His men well knew that his boots would be the “first boots on the field of battle and the last boots to leave”. As the last helicopter lifted away the 1st Battalion found themselves surrounded and coming under heavy fire by over 2000 North Vietnamese Regulars. In the ensuing fierce battle over 1000 North Vietnamese and 79 Americans would be killed in action. Outnumbered over 4:1, this was a kill ratio of over 12:1!

Leaders in most any profession can glean numerous nuggets from a variety of leadership qualities of Hal Moore. One that I have often gleaned is the three questions that he often asked himself during this intense battle that included a bayonet charge led by LTC Moore. These questions are: (1) What is not going on that should be? ; (2) What is going on that should not be? ; and (3) What can I do to influence the situation?

Such situational analysis or “SA” must be a part of every leader’s tool box. As a leader, it is imperative for you to be able to confidently answer question (3) regarding the enterprise you are leading and responsible for. However, as the leader, you must first find the answers to questions (1) and (2).

The next time you are about to make a “command decision” for the family or about to write a “game changing” new policy at work ask yourself…“Have I determined the answer to question (1) and question (2)?” Perhaps you need to lead a bayonet charge of your own with your current resources in order to neutralize the opposition and lead your team to victory. Please, no bayonet charges until question (1) and (2) are answered. A bayonet charge at the wrong time, I’m told, could ruin your whole day.

Lastly, the leader must have trusted advisors who can assist them in answering all three questions. King David declared, “I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” and King Solomon reminds us that “plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance”. Question (4) When facing a difficult or challenging situation, who are your 2-3 most trusted counselors?

Barney Barnes, Warrior Spirit LLC, 03-07-21