The Navy needs a Jim Joyce

As human beings, we are imperfect by design and action. Our best and brightest are put in positions of great responsibility because it is hoped the they will make the fewest unforced errors.

There are difficult and important decisions that a leader must make - more often than not with imperfect information and with little time to make the call.

Mistakes happen. What truly breaks out the great and praise worthy though are those who can admit their mistakes and do it publicly so others can learn by their example.

Via John at PowerLine, I give you a leader.

Human error is something that we all live with, every day. But this umpire, Jim Joyce, watched the replay, and realized that he had blown the call:

"I just cost that kid a perfect game," Joyce said. "I thought he beat the throw. I was convinced he beat the throw, until I saw the replay."

"It was the biggest call of my career," said Joyce, who became a full-time major league umpire in 1989. ...

Joyce faced a group of hostile Tigers -- led by [Tigers manager Jim] Leyland -- between the pitching mound and home plate after the final out and was booed lustily by the crowd of 17,738 as he walked off the field.

"I don't blame them a bit for anything that was said," Joyce said. "I would've said it myself if I had been Galarraga. I would've been the first person in my face, and he never said a word to me."

DDG-1000. LCS. TFU. USNA Color Guard & Slotbacks, etc. Where are the leaders? You would think that these things happened on their own - that no one in uniform had a hand in their creation.

Admiral Roughead's Salamanderesque statement recently that in the future we are going to look to "evolutionary vs. revolutionary" is close. Some of Admiral Harvey's steps as CFFC to "do better" is even closer - but not are like this.

If you wish candor from your subordinates - then you must demonstrate the same. If you wish Sailors to take responsibility for their mistakes - then so must you.

If all you do is hide problems and promote happy-talk. Well, you get this.




Are we too prideful - or too scared?

Mr. Joyce - well done. A great man is a humble man.