In his book Deep Survival, Laurence Gonzales analyzes the mysteries of survival. In a gripping series of survival stories, he describes the art and science of survival, of “who lives, who dies, and why?”
In his concluding chapter, he distills his observations down to twelve points describing how survivors think and behave in the clutch of mortal danger.
I wonder. Do the twelve points describing survivor behavior also describe the actions of leaders who survive the mortal dangers of leadership? Will they answer “who lives and who dies” as leaders? I think they do–but I’m weird. Check me out.
Applied to leadership, Gonzales would argue:
- Survivor Leaders recognize, acknowledge and even accept the reality of their situations. They keep their perceptions and cognitive functions working . . . they notice the details.
- Survivor Leaders stay calm. While they may be afraid, they use fear without being ruled by it. They watch for any mutiny of too much emotion–often using humor to help them stay calm.
- Survivor Leaders quickly organize, set up routines and institute discipline. They are always thinking, analyzing and planning.
- Survivor Leaders take decisive actions; they are bold, but cautious in carrying out small, manageable tasks. They deal with what is within their power from moment to moment, hour to hour, day to day.
- Survivor Leaders celebrate successes. They take joy in completing tasks–regardless of how small. Small successes rejoiced in prevents a descent into hopelessness.
- Survivor Leaders count their blessings and work to help others “survive.” They become rescuers instead of victims.
- Survivor Leaders play mind games, sing, recite poetry, count things, do math problems in their heads. The deeper activities of the intellect stimulate, entertain and calm the mind. They love poetry.
- Survivor Leaders see the beauty. They are attuned to the wonder of the world. Appreciation of beauty opens the senses.
- Survivor Leaders believe that they will succeed.
- Survivor Leaders let go of the fear of dying; they put away the pain. They don’t let the pain or the fear of death dominate their thinking.
- Survivor Leaders do whatever is necessary. To them, anything is possible and they act accordingly.
- Survivor Leaders never give up.