Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts

Thursday, September 19, 2013

3 - Just Stay Out of His Way - Joseph Galbraith

Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré

Reading Summary by Joseph Galbraith

Reference:

Bennett, B., & Donnelly, S. B. (2005). JUST STAY OUT OF HIS WAY. Time, 166(12), 56.

Theme: The leadership provided by Lt. General Russel Honoré proved to be rough necked and highly effective.

Summary:

• The aftermath left by Hurricane Katrina required a leader who could make things happen.  More delay of food and aid was not an option.

• General Russel Honoré was appointed commander of all military forces in the disaster area.

• General Honoré was credited with launching numerous aircraft, ships, supplies and rescues to help the people of New Orleans and the surrounding area.
• General Honoré had a vast knowledge of disaster planning and preparation and had actually worked on a plan to react to a hurricane in New Orleans.  However he did not plan on the levees breaking as they did.

• The best quote from this article "don't confuse a plan with execution. A plan is like good intentions. You don't win with good intentions."

•General Honoré demeanor can come across as abusive.  He might have been very blunt but he completed the job effectively.

Application to emergency services:

This type of leadership can be very effective in getting things done by responders.  It can also be inspiring to citizens because they realize that politics and correctness have taken a back seat to the recovery mission at hand.  I think the General received a little more leeway then other public officials because he was a Soldier.  He fulfilled the image that the public had of our military, which was tough and mission oriented.  As public safety managers we might have to tread more lightly while still taking a lesson in tenacity from General Honore'.