EconTalk David Deppner on Leadership, Confidence, and Humility
24 snips
Sep 2, 2019 
David Deppner, CEO of Psyberware, discusses the intricate balance between leadership, humility, and confidence. He questions whether great leaders can exhibit vulnerability while still inspiring certainty in their followers. The conversation delves into the ethics of leadership, exploring the tension between honesty and the need to reassure. Deppner shares insights on embracing imperfection and accountability to foster growth, while examining the impact of family dynamics on self-confidence. Ultimately, the dialogue underscores the importance of humility in the quest for truth.
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Employee's Need for Certainty
- David Deppner's employee desired certainty about the company's future, wanting a leader like Gene Kranz in Apollo 13.
- Deppner offered honest assessment of risks and goals, but she wanted unwavering confidence, even if it meant being lied to.
Students' Preference for Certainty
- As a professor, Deppner's students often wanted definitive answers rather than exploring complex issues.
- Some students found the Socratic method unsettling, preferring the comfort of a professor who claimed to know everything.
Surgeon's False Certainty
- Deppner questions the ethics of surgeons providing overly optimistic assurances.
- His father's surgeon conveyed certainty about a surgery's outcome, yet his father died days later, highlighting the potential harm of false confidence.
