Action or Patience?

The power to decide who lives or dies. World leaders hold this power in their hands. Yet, some leaders wield it as if it were a toy dueling sword incapable of causing severe bodily harm except under the most extreme circumstances. Realistically, world leaders make decisions every day that will lead to the deaths of many. Despite this ungodly amount of power, leaders are still finding themselves quick to act and quick to anger when wronged. With great power comes great responsibility. Leaders must know when to act. When action is the best decision or perhaps, the only decision. The stakes are intensified when human loss is brought into the calculus. Now, imagine you have the power to start a nuclear war. A deadly combination. This was the reality of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), who was faced with deterring the ever-present threat of Soviet aggression and expansion while President of the United States.  

JFK was a decorated war hero who fought in the Navy during the Second World War before entering politics as a Congressman from his home state of Massachusetts. JFK served as a congressman and Senator before winning the Presidential Election of 1960, defeating Nixon. JFK was the youngest elected President in the history of the United States, and he was facing domestic and foreign issues that were dividing the country and the world. A visionary leader who dreamed of winning the Space Race by sending an astronaut to the surface of the moon before a cosmonaut. The world was approximately 30% communist in 1960, with the Soviets eyeing further expansion and influence over the Western, capitalist states. JFK was forced to combat this in his backyard when Castro came to power in Cuba in the late 1950s after overthrowing Fulgencio Batista. The US discovered ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in Cuba in 1962 after a reconnaissance flight captured the images. JFK knew that he had to act, but he was aware of the risks associated with aggressive, decisive action. Rather than acting in haste, JFK did the hardest thing he probably ever had to do as President…nothing. 

While nothing may be a bit of hyperbole. JFK was laser-focused on creating a peaceful resolution without the loss of American life. In a televised address to the nation on October 22, 1962, JFK announced the implementation of a naval blockade around Cuba in response to the show of force made by the Soviets. JFK knew he needed to assess the situation to save lives, but he also knew he had to respond or risk further escalation by the Soviets. The move gave JFK time to think and work up a diplomatic solution, avoiding a full-scale nuclear war and easing tensions between the Soviets and Americans. Thirteen days went by before a resolution, and the military was placed on alert expecting to engage in war, but JFK remained resolute despite many military advisors recommending more aggressive action. He decided aggressive action could wait and favored a diplomatic approach to easing the tensions. In the end, this resolution, which forced the Soviets to remove their missiles and the US to promise not to invade Cuba, saved the lives of many Americans and Soviets.

Imagine being backed into a corner with threats all around you. Do you fight or cower? The only two options in this situation. Leaders fail to realize the third, more appealing choice in this scenario. The choice to stand still. While this choice does nothing to eliminate the threat or minimize the risks, it allows you time to formulate an action plan. As leaders, we are often problem solvers, jumping into action whenever an obstacle is encountered. This approach may lead to success quite frequently, but it can also lead to irrecoverable losses caused by reckless action. Well-thought-out action is what high-stress situations require. Not all situations. Not all problems. But, the high-stress, no good option, lose-lose problems we all face every day. Those. They can wait. Take a moment to reflect on the situation. This detachment allows you to think clearly and ensure you are making the best decision for your particular circumstances. You’ll see a much clearer picture when your body has calmed down, your mind is no longer racing, and oftentimes, the best course of action will be waiting for you. Clear as day with an uncluttered, de-stressed mind. JFK chose to make the world wait for thirteen days…you can wait 24 hours. By the way, your decision is most likely not going to impact the lives of millions across the globe. 

"Do you have the patience to wait

Till your mud settles and the water is clear?

Can you remain unmoving

Till the right action arises by itself?"

— Lao Tzu