Prevention versus Correction

As a commander in South Vietnam, accountable for the lives of the men in two platoons and later a company in combat, leading dangerous live-fire training exercises at the battalion and regimental level as well as live-fire counter-terrorist training exercises in major cities in the southeast U.S, and finally, in leading real-life excursions into the central highlands of Nicaragua during the Sandinista War, I know the weight of accountability. Later as the president of three military colleges/prep schools and the dangers inherent in preparing and then trusting young inexperienced leaders to direct and supervise their peers and themselves simultaneously, I have experienced sleepless nights, doubts relating to my own wisdom, and questions as to who can I trust to help me lead, train, and supervise these young and women. I have concluded that there are two parts to the solution and even then your rear end is hanging out ready to get wacked.

Part I: Prevention

Attempt to be where the action or danger resides and/or where you possess the least confidence in the maturity and supervision of those you have have entrusted. Secondly, possess a critical eye for dangerous actions, words, or behavior by the trainers or the trained. Finally, be vocal and repetitive about flaws observed, what the expectations and standards are, and the way things must be done. Wear the game face whenever present at dangerous events or any event where there exists potential for injury or worse.

Part II: Correction

The second part is the corrective actions once careless behaviors are observed. Dangerous and unwitting behavior come in all forms - some intentional and some unintentional. The unintentional can most often be corrected with words, mild or caustic depending on the degree of malfeasance. However, intentional, repetitive, or blatant disregard for regulations, previous verbal guidance, or standard operating procedures require require quick and seemingly ruthless termination that all can see or be informed. This not only eliminates the bad actor/supervisor but serves as a reminder to others of the standard, expectations, seriousness, and consequences of such behavior. This is how it is done.

We must remember that “what a leader tolerates, he will get and more. If the behavior is not abated quickly and with verve, it will soon be out of control.”