In challenging situations like the Vietnam war with draftees sent to fight an unpopular war, leaders faced a choice: blame the draftees for problems or step up and lead them effectively. Good leaders like Hackworth, Mukayama, and Hal Moore chose to lead their draftees, who in return pushed back when necessary. This dynamic highlights that in difficult circumstances, effective leadership involves leading and empowering those under you, rather than blaming them for the problems at hand.