EXPLAIN THE VOCAB
To take the initiative...
To be the first person to do something or take action, especially related to solving problems.
"People with visions should go to the _________." (Helmut Schmidt)
"People with visions should go to the DOCTOR."
Grundgesetz
Basic Law
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, this U.S. president had to decide between a military strike and a blockade.
John F. Kennedy
This German military term, meaning "mission-type tactics," is a key concept in Mission Command, where subordinates have freedom to execute orders as they see fit.
Auftragstaktik
To be humble...
To have a modest view of your own importance.
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have __________." (Winston Churchill)
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have ROSES."
Vorgänger
Predecessor
Pilots, soldiers, and emergency responders use this "automatic" decision-making process, relying on instinct and experience rather than analysis.
Intuitive decision-making
This emotional intelligence skill allows a leader to build strong relationships and navigate social complexities.
Social awareness
To be blindly obedient...
To follow rules without questioning or critically thinking about them.
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are _________." (Winston Churchill)
"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are RIGHT."
Überzeugungskraft
Persuasiveness
This term (noun or verb) describes a leader’s ability to remain calm and make sound choices despite extreme stress.
Composure / (to) be composed
Studies suggest that emotional intelligence is often more important than this traditional measure of intelligence when it comes to effective leadership.
IQ (Intelligence Quotient)
To be multifaceted...
To have many different aspects, qualities, or abilities.
"We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same _________." (Konrad Adenauer)
"We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same HORIZONS."
Einheitszusammenhalt
Unit cohesion
In 1983, this Soviet officer made a life-or-death decision by choosing not to launch a nuclear counterstrike after a false alarm.
Stanislav Petrov
In a dynamic battlefield environment, this principle ensures that all echelons of command have access to and understand key operational information.
Information sharing
To do something by the book...
To follow the rules, regulations, or established procedures strictly and precisely, without deviation or improvisation.
"For those who live in fear, freedom has no _________."(Angela Merkel)
"For those who live in fear, freedom has no VALUE."
Eventualfallplanung
Contingency planning
"OODA Loop" is a decision-making framework used in high-pressure military situations. The letters stand for Observe, Orient, Decide, and _____.
Act
(The OODA Loop is a decision-making framework developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd. It is used in military strategy, leadership, and competitive decision-making to help individuals and teams react quickly and effectively to rapidly changing situations).
In high-pressure situations, emotionally intelligent leaders remain calm and help their teams stay focused, demonstrating this specific leadership trait.
Emotional resilience