CTG

Elliot Cohen mentions John Keegan’s concept of “the mask of command” in one of the chapters from The Hollow Crown.

I don’t have the exact quote, but it was referencing Henry V’s famous “Saint Crispin’s Day speech” and went on to discuss the way that effective leaders have to put on a bit of a show to inspire their followers.

I’ve always been fascinated with the seemingly unnatural and feigned cheerfulness and spirit of senior leaders, often in the face of adversity. Colin Powell referenced this indirectly as one of his rules: “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”

And when others ask me about it or complain that it’s weird or unnatural, I’d remind them that it would be much worse if you had leaders who sulked or complained. You might not like it, but it really is necessary.

Anyway, I’m glad that this dynamic has a real term – the mask of command.

I plan on using that going forward.