In recent days, there has been much discussion about specific steps, about detail, about what should and what shouldn’t be done.  In an effort to get out of the economic difficulties we find ourselves in, there is a clamor for specificity and a constant calling for laying out specific steps.  Embedded in this critique is the idea we can comprehensively and rationally approach crisis–that we can plan and model our way out of the quagmire …

Proactive leaders are constantly faced with the challenge of getting people to focus and be concerned, and getting them to realize that tomorrow is at hand and issues must be dealt with almost immediately.  Proactive leaders often have to instill in individuals a feeling that consequences will result from inaction.  The slippery slope is knowing how to keep a sense of urgency in perspective and not let it become a full-blown panic attack.  Leaders must …