Part 7/9:
There is concern that modern societal and organizational environments seem to disincentivize virtues like courage and integrity. The proliferation of social media and a culture that sometimes celebrates blame-shifting and avoidance of responsibility can undermine accountability.
Despite this trend, the core instinct for humans remains to blame external factors, similar to a child's instinct to blame the spilled milk. Recognizing this natural tendency allows leaders to intentionally counteract it through cultivating humility and ownership.
Natural Human Instincts Versus Leadership Virtues
Most of the leadership principles taught in elite units are designed explicitly to counteract natural human instincts—self-preservation, blame, over-complication, and control. For example: