— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu at www.tomnewhouse.com. —
I’M NOT ABLE TO EXPLAIN how a farm rifle like me, came to understand a metaphor from the navy, but I know what it means to “clear the deck”: Prepare for a crisis, such as incoming cannonballs. When Rudy declared, “clear the deck,” attention was singularly focused.
A true crisis requires singlemindedness, crisp focus, unaltered attention. There will come a time when you as leader dare not be distracted. Success and your entire organization will depend on you. You must then “clear the deck.” Don’t expect to lead everything. Put your complete energy—all your focus—on that one thing. Position yourself to LEAD.