Zinni also said that the situation can, at times, make the leader.
“Sometimes there will be a person doing their day-to-day job, and no one will notice them until a major event or crisis happens,” he said. “That’s when their true abilities shine through.”
Former President of the United States Harry S. Truman is an example of the situation making the leader.
“In our national history, I believe many reluctant leaders stand out,” Zinni said. “But, Truman did so at such a critical time. He was not prepared to be president. President Franklin D. Roosevelt kept him out of the ‘loop’ on many policies which included the development of the atomic bomb. And when Roosevelt died, Truman found himself under tremendous pressure of ending World War II. In one of his first press briefings, he asked those in attendance to pray for him. Truman went on ensure that ‘the buck stopped’ with regarding presidential responsibility.”
Although leading others may seem daunting, Zinni said that with patience and sincerity, a reluctant leader can do quite well.
“Most fear about leading people comes from not understanding what you’re getting into,” he said. “Continue to develop your confidence and gain fluency in your profession. Once you get the experience, it will be easier to repeat it.”