The logic of pessimism leads finally to Nihilism. What is the force at work? – The notion that there are no values, and no purpose: the recognition of the part that moral valuations have played in all other lofty values. Result: moral valuations are condemnations and negations; morality is the abdication of the will to live… 12. The collapse of cosmopolitan values. A. Nihilsm will have to manifest itself as a psychological condition, first when we have sought in all that has happened a purpose which is not there: so that the seeker will ultimately lose courage. Nietzche(1844-1900)
The basic principles of a project leader are focusing on a few promising opportunities, adjusting for culture, getting wins that matter to the boss and getting the win in the right way. The leader should know when to shift the emphasis from learning to decision and action.
Credibility
- It is about marketing yourself effectively
- The goal is to make people want to associate with attractive abilities, attitudes and values
- Do you demand a high level of performance?
- Right kind of energy?
- Admirable values and principles?
- Do you have insight and steadiness?
- Credible characteristics – Demanding but able to be satisfied
- Focus but flexible
- Decisive but judicious
- Accessible but not too familiar
- Willing to make tough calls but humane
Now came the critical problem of judging the correct moment for the enveloping force to reveal its discovering position on the enemy flank. For maximum effect, it was important that this should not occur before the enemy had committed all or most of his reserve to the frontal battle, and this need for accurate timing of the flank attack called for the greatest judgment on the part of Napoleon and his key subordinates. The former had to judge the moment when all the enemy troops were indeed committed to the frontal battle( and with the billowing clouds of black-powder smoke obliterating the scene this was no easy matter); THE CAMPAIGNS OF NAPOLEON, DAVID G.CHANDLER, 1966
The latter had the task of keeping their eager troops ” on the leash” so as to avoid any premature attack disclosing their presence. Then, when the exact moment came, Napoleon would give the signal. . . . then the attaque debodante would spring to life A roar of cannon away on his hitherto secure flank would cause the enemy to look apprehensively over his shoulder, and before long the spyglasses of his anxious staff would be able to detect a line of dust and smoke crawling over nearer from the flank or rear. This threat to his communication and line of retreat could not be ignored. The enemy general might now theoretically adopt one of two courses ( But in practice only one). He could either order an immediate general retreat to slip out of the trap before it shut behind his army (although this was generally out of question, as Napoleon would of course launch a general frontal attack against all sectors of the enemy line to coincide with the unmasking of his flanking force and thus pin the foe still tighter to the ground he was holding.THE CAMPAIGNS OF NAPOLEON, DAVID G.CHANDLER, 1966
FOGLAMP
- Focus – cut through the haze and plan critical projects
- Oversight – how to oversee?
- Goals – Keep long-term goals in mind
- Leadership – Write your own story, in the first few weeks, informally introducing to support staff
- Abilities – Identify a few promising focal points
- Means – Areas or processes in which improvement can dramatically strengthen the organization’s overall operational/financial performance
- Projects – launch early-win projects, targeted at chosen focal points and introduce new behaviours
Or he would be compelled to find troops from somewhere to form a new line at right angles to his main position to face the new onslaught and protect his flank. As all reserves were (ideally) already committed to battle, this could be easily and quickly affected only by deliberately weakening those frontal sectors closest to the new threat. This thinning out of the enemy front is what Napoleon called “The Event” – and was of course exactly what he intended to have happen. The curtain on the first act would now fall; the enemy was reacting as required the destruction of the cohesion of his line, the final ruination of his equilibrium, could now be undertaken with practically a guarantee of ultimate success.THE CAMPAIGNS OF NAPOLEON, DAVID G.CHANDLER, 1966