Change

Supreme Court Justice William O'Douglas once said "Security can only be achieved through constant change, through discarding old ideas that have outlived their usefulness and adapting others to current facts."
I've seen a fair bit of change in my life, in our society, our world and of course in the Army. Two coming holidays (Passover for Jews and Easter for Christians) include themes of transformation, both personal and national.
Our 'business' is the security of our nation; transformation and change are things we deal with as Army leaders all the time.
It's important to know what doesn't change! Whether it's your faith and spirituality, Army values or the warrior ethos, somethings don't need to change. Rather than giving you my principles, which are (hopefully) grounded in Torah, I ask that you consider the sources you can draw upon for your principles. You must know what values you rely on and stay with. Those you lead will know your principles. Do you?

Diversity is Stronger

I was traveling one day and came across an interesting book in the airport: The Wisdom of Crowds, by James Surowiecki, a NY Times business columnist. He makes a strong case that groups of people can be smarter than individuals, no matter how brilliant that individual may be. This simple idea requires that the groups of people discuss ideas and have ways to incorporate multiple viewpoints, much like a marketplace or a democratic society.

Scripture describes the actions of two sons of Aaron, the high priest, in the Book of Leviticus (10:1-2). Nadab and Abihu each decided to approach the newly constructed and inaugurated tabernacle and offer incense. Simultaneously they were struck by lightening and died on the spot! The language used in the Torah to describe the events is unusual and emphasizes that they "each" acted. The implication, according to an ancient text, is that they acted independently and without consulting each other.

This seems strange to me. I would have thought that since they both had the same idea, discussion would be unnecessary,  but scripture tells us otherwise. Perhaps if they had discussed their plans with each other, the very act of consulting with a peer would have brought up new considerations and prevented their tragic death. There are other examples in Scripture where even the Creator of the world seems to consult with subordinates!

Fostering an environment where everyone has a voice and gets heard is part of great leadership. I am often reminded of a quote attributed to General George S. Patton speaking to his staff: "If everyone here is thinking the same thing, then someone isn't thinking!"

A leadership climate that respects diversity while staying focused on the Army's mission and values is important not only because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes us all more successful.