What a Vietnam Prisoner of War can Teach us About Leadership

Rachel Stone of Bespoke Training, Eastbourne contemplates what a Vietnam Prisoner of War can teach us about leadership

One of my favourite books about expert leadership is Jim Collins’ “Good to Great”. There is so much in this masterpiece but my very favourite section covers the story of a US Vice Admiral’s experience as a survivor from the isolation on four years in solitary confinement as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

Vice Admiral James Stockdale not only survived his incredible ordeal, he also used it to teach himself something. His survival tactics have been studied by those psychologists who study exceptional performance. Of course this area of study is significant because if a few people can experience exceptional success or achievements – then why can’t we all do this?

Collins studied many highly successful companies and compared them to their next best competitors. It was the sequel to “Built to Last”, but should really be read first! “Good to Great” looks into those companies who really gained massive traction and powerfully took their results through the roof over a period of about 15 years or less. The factors leading to this success were studied as a piece of empirical research. If you haven’t read it I highly recommend you do. There is much to learn and it contains a few surprises too.

The major piece of learning that comes from the section based on the Vice Admiral’s achievements deals with attitude. Many gurus cover the topic of a positive attitude and the trait of optimism. James Stockdale revealed a slightly different view.

The “Stockdale Paradox” emerges from “Good to Great” as a way of looking at positive psychology and adding in another factor. Facing the brutal truth.

There were many prisoners in the same situation as Stockdale, although they didn’t survive. They based all their survival efforts on being optimistic about their fate and hanging on for the day they would be rescued. Studies revealed that many died of broken hearts. They hoped for a release at Christmas, then Easter, then in the Autumn and so on. Their optimism wasn’t enough to keep them alive on its own.

Stockdale, on the other hand, coupled optimism with facing up to the brutal truth. Collins claims this as one of the six key concepts in his Good to Great Flywheel model.

He famously said: “I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade”

His efforts were channelled into accomplishments to defy the enemy and to take an element of control. He developed a tapping code to communicate with others, he sent a coded message home to his wife which relayed vital information about the enemy and he used a system of milestones to keep him alive.

Since the study of his ordeal, the “Stockdale Paradox” has been discussed in leadership circles and it simply is this:

• “You must remain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.
• AND at the same time, you must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

This is something that underpins my coaching practice. I work with business owners and senior leadership teams to help them build faith in themselves and face the brutal truth. In business organisations it is sometimes hard for the truth to reach the right ears. I train and coach leaders to develop a coaching culture where feedback is key. This leads to expert leadership and excellent results. The powerful Best Year Yet programme has helped my clients do just that. Would you like to have your Best Year Yet?

If you would like to find out more about the coaching and training packages that Bespoke Training Eastbourne delivers please do get in touch. You can call reception on: 01323 332316 to book in for a consultation or email rachel@bespoketrainingeastbourne.com. We have availability from September. If you quote this article and call before July 21st you can claim a free copy of the resources from the 2015 Leadership that gets Results Conference materials.