Leadership Quote by Philip E. Tetlock
““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
Source Book: The Psychology of Leadership, Philip E. Tetlock, 2020
Leaders must be determined yet flexible, abandoning plans when circumstances demand, as rigid adherence can cause failure.
In simple terms: Adaptability is key for leaders.
Key Takeaway
Stay determined but ready to pivot.
Themes
leadership
adaptability
decision‑making
flexibility
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
leadership
strategic
When to use this quote
- business crisis
- military operations
- product development
Key Concepts
strategic thinking
situational awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- When should a leader stick to a plan?
- How do you know when to change course?
A Different Perspective
Too much flexibility may appear indecisive.
