Page 105 - Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows

THE LESSONS

When Admiral Chuck Larson was a young officer, he could have bent
his principles a little and rationalized to himself that following a direct order
from a superior officer was the key to advancing his career and helping his
organization advance, but he didn’t take any shortcuts where his integrity
was involved. Admiral Blair could have followed the leadership philosophy
of a new administration in Washington even though he disagreed with it in
order to be considered for Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff, but he chose to be an authentic leader and accept the consequences.
When Jane Cahill Pfeiffer became one of the most powerful businesswomen
in the country as the head of NBC, with all the business perks and income
potential associated with that position, the easy path would have been to
downplay the allegations of wrongdoing, circle the wagons, and defend the
organization. In the case of the U.S. attorneys, Iglesias was on the fast track
to the governor’s office and McKay was one of three finalists to become a
federal judge for life. The easy path to fulfill their ambitions would have
been to bend a little by using their power to benefit the individuals who
could secure their futures. All five—Larson, Blair, Pfeiffer, Iglesias, and
McKay—were in an enviable position of power, yet they made the decision
to do the right thing and let the chips fall where they might. Larson, Blair,
Pfeiffer, Iglesias, and McKay understood that if you’re in a position of power
and cannot walk away from it, you have no power.
When you say only what others want to hear, you’re not helping the
organization you’re in. It’s like being the lookout on the Titanic. You’re not
doing yourself or the company any good by shouting, “All clear ahead,” as
the iceberg looms ominously on the horizon. By acting with honor and
integrity, you build trust with your followers. The actions of great leaders
are consistent with their words. Saying the right thing doesn’t mean much.
Doing the right thing means everything when you want people to follow
you passionately.

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