Sunday, November 24, 2013

Command Excellence - Admiral Chester Nimitz

Fleet Admiral (FADM) Chester Nimitz created command excellence in every command he was a part of. He did not broadcast his expectations, but conveyed them subtly to his officers. He demanded excellence not for his sake, but for the sake of the men themselves and their own pride and self-fulfillment. Nimitz believed that sound strategy is based on knowledge, information and technical experience. He gave an order and relied on his men to do what they thought best under a given situation. He once said "horses pull harder when the reins lie loose." Nimitz kept his door open to his men. He believed the best ideas did not come from the top, but often from the men. 

From: AN ASSESSMENT OF STRATEGIC NAVAL LEADER COMPETENCIES
Commander Michael A. Strano

"I'm still learning every day. I still try to do my best and refuse to worry about things over which I have no control." 
- Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz

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