If you want to understand who a leader is pay attention to the decisions they make, especially under pressure. I just finished reading the incredible book “Story” by Robert McKee and have pulled a few quotes that I thought summarized this sentiment really well. This book was immensely helpful in understanding that decisions drive character and in this case those decisions tell a story of leadership.
“As he chooses, he is.”
“Choice under pressure will strip away the mask of characterization, we’ll peer into their inner natures and with a flash of insight grasp their true characters.”
“The only way we come to know characters in depth is through their choices under pressure.”
“How a character chooses in a true dilemma is a powerful expression of his humanity and of the world in which he lives.”
“How the person chooses to act under pressure is who he is – the greater the pressure, the truer and deeper the choice to the character.”
So many leaders have faced difficult decisions this year. To lay people off. To cut back parts of the business that were beloved. Whether or not to openly and humbly admit mistakes. Some chose to be cruel and inhumane. While others showed empathy and deep support to the people their decisions impacted.
Leadership is hard and full of tough decisions, but it is critical to believe in our leaders, especially when the world is experiencing chaos like it has over the past three years (and then some). We need to stop lauding people as geniuses and instead hold them accountable for the decisions they make. You always have a choice to be kind. When you choose not to we see who you really are.
