Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great, continues to make my top five list of best leadership books ever written.  Many of its findings have influenced my perspective of, and hopefully, my actual practice of leadership.  So I was thankful to learn that he published a video statement about the current COVID-19 situation.  In it Collins talks about how the Stockdale Paradox, a principle outlined in Good to Great, can provide us with an effective perspective for tackling this unprecedented moment.

Take a 6 minutes to watch it.  In particular, listen to Admiral Stockdale’s goal for his 8 years as a Vietnam War POW – it’s inspiring. Then ask yourself – is this my goal for this current situation?