Who's In Charge?

Episode 20:  The Army-Navy Game

Frank:   Just a moment, Pierce. With Henry in that condition, 

         I’m in charge here.

Hawkeye: OK Frank, slip into your crown and robe and you tell us 

         what to do!

Frank:   All right. [hesitation]

Hawkeye: Well?

Frank:   Well, give me a minute.

Hawkeye: I’m not sure we’ve got one! They’re shelling our ears 

         off from both sides!

During a much anticipated Army-Navy football match, the 4077 are shelled and an unexploded bomb lands in the compound.  Enquires reveal that it is a CIA bomb and instructions are given to defuse it.  After the wrong wire is cut, it explodes revealing it was just a propaganda bomb.

We have all heard the saying “this will separate the men from the boys” when confronted with a challenging situation.  There is something about a challenge or a crisis that will either bring out the best or worst in a leader.  It is during challenging times that people are looking for a leader to step forward and take charge.  While consultation, collaboration and committees are the norms in organizational leadership, there are critical moments when a leader needs to have the confidence and clarity of mind to be able to take control of a situation.  Bill Hybels, quoting General Fred Franks, says, “In the heat of battle, the leader must be in the centre of the action…Every soldier deserves such competent command.”

 

A Question of Character

Episode 10:  I Hate A Mystery

Hawkeye:     Lieutenant, I’ve always admired your analytical  

             mind.  You’re one of the few people who can see  

             things without emotion or prejudice. Let me ask you…

Lieutenant:  I think you did it.

Hawkeye:     Let me rephrase the question.  How would you assess

             my general character?

Lieutenant:  You’re cynical and selfish. When you’re not in the 

             operating room, all you ever think about is 

             your own pleasure.

Hawkeye:     Don’t sugar-coat it. Give it to me straight.

A spate of thefts at the 4077 sparks a search of all personnel’s belongings by Colonel Blake, revealing the stolen goods hidden in Hawkeye’s foot-locker.  In an attempt to prove his innocence, Hawkeye lays a trap to reveal the identity of the real thief.

In leadership, character is everything!   We can all think of competent leaders who have compromised their position of influence because of character issues.  Our character is a window into our true selves and provides the foundation upon which our leadership is built.  In his book “Uprising,” Erwin McManus describes “Character [as] the mark that defines who we really are when you get to the core.”  It is this core of who we are that will withstand the challenges and expectations of leadership more than what we are able to do.  When dealing with conflict and facing criticism, character “is both developed and revealed” (Rick Warren), exposing the true nature and quality of the leader.