Dr. Maccoby participates in a Weekly Forum on Washington Post.com called "On Leadership". I am compiling all of his responses to the weekly questions here.
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DATE: April 13, 2009 When to Take a Bullet? As the heroic Capt. Richard Phillips reminded us when he offered himself to the pirates instead of his crew, sea captains, like all good leaders, are expected to sacrifice themselves and their personal interests to protect those under their command. What are other examples from other fields of endeavor of leaders who have succeeded or failed to live up to this obligation? What factors should leaders consider when deciding when and whether to make extraordinary personal sacrifices? |
Protecting Life
Captain Richard Phillip's act was heroic. By offering himself to the pirates as a hostage, he risked his life to protect his crew. In this time of self-serving leaders, his example is inspiring.
But would he have been blamed if he had reasoned that the pirates in the past had not murdered their hostages, and it would be better to stay with the ship to maintain order? I don't think so. Self sacrifice to protect the lives of family, colleagues or crew is the greatest of virtues. But what makes it great is that it is an act to protect life.
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