Leadership, “Reputation Matters” Forbes, February 8, 2013
Snowstorms and other natural disasters have been the undoing of mayors and governors for decades.
From Michael Dukakis, governor of Massachusetts in the ’70s and ’80s, to Michael Bloomberg’s absence in a December 2011 snowstorm, when municipal leaders don’t anticipate, lead through, and follow up immediately after storm crises, their reputations can take severe hits.
Responsibility without authority is one of the worst situations a leader can face, they say in the military. And, if you think about it, snowstorms and other acts of God are the epitome of responsibility without authority. The leader has responsibility, but a lot of the authority is in the hands of nature.
How can leaders prove their mettle – or salt – as Blizzard Nemo hits today, and over the weekend? Here are eight suggestions, culled from years of crisis (man-made and God-made) advisory work. […read more]