Admiral James Stavridis on Evaluating Risk and Building Confidence | Remember This Always

May 25, 2022

Admiral James Stavridis, a retired four-star U.S. naval officer and author, shares insights from his book, 'To Risk It All.' He discusses the ethical complexities of military leadership and the importance of making tough decisions under pressure. The conversation emphasizes maintaining confidence and integrity, even when faced with criticism. Stavridis highlights empathy in leadership, using historical examples to illustrate how understanding others can lead to impactful choices. Listeners are encouraged to embrace impermanence and reflect on personal courage in their decision-making.

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ANECDOTE

Stockdale's Question

James Stockdale, a Stoic and naval officer, questioned the Gulf of Tonkin incident's justification.
Despite this, he served heroically, raising questions about following orders versus personal ethics.

ADVICE

Questioning Orders

Leaders must question orders when necessary, even if challenging authority.
Balancing duty with ethical considerations is crucial, especially in complex situations.

ANECDOTE

Bucher's Surrender

Lloyd Bucher surrendered the USS Pueblo to prevent crew deaths, a decision seen as both heroic and cowardly.
Despite a court-martial, his actions highlight prioritizing crew safety over tradition.

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