So a leader must possess unwavering determination to…
““So a leader must possess unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and accomplish his goals—while remaining open to the possibility that he may have to throw out the plan and try something else. That’s a lot to ask of anyone, but the German military saw it as the essence of the leader’s role. “Once a course of action has been initiated it must not be abandoned without overriding reason,” the Wehrmacht manual stated. “In the changing situations of combat, however, inflexibly clinging to a course of action can lead to failure. The art of leadership consists of the timely recognition of circumstances and of the moment when a new decision is required.”7””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Effective leadership requires adaptability; rigid adherence to plans can cause failure, so timely reassessment is essential.
In simple terms: Adapt or fail.
Key Takeaway
Stay flexible.
Themes
leadership
adaptability
decision‑making
military
strategy
Mood
strategic
pragmatic
instructive
Type
Leadership:1
Overcome Obstacles:0
Leadership Consists:0
Leader Role:0
Leader Possess:0
Art Leadership:0
Reason Wehrmacht:0
When to use this quote
- business
- military operations
- project management
- personal growth
Key Concepts
situational leadership
change management
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you stick to a plan?
- How can you balance flexibility with commitment?
A Different Perspective
Rigid plans may provide needed stability in some contexts.