I have seen that in action, you are hardcore for only a second or two. If you survive the sudden stop, you don't survive the bounce.

That is close, but I still think we are talking about slightly different points.
There is a fundamental difference between leading from higher authority and leading from mutual consent. Unfortunately, as with many things that are deeply and fundamentaly different, the words describing them often sound the same.

I am not saying one is better or worse, just different.
There are times when one system is better than the other, and there are time when the other is better.

Manipulating people into following a preconcieved plan is not actually leading consensually, nor is it co-operation.

It depends on whether or not you are trying to get them to do what you want. Leading by definition is getting people to do what they would not do themselves (usually what you want them to do). I have rarely seen any situation where people agree completely or don't have preconceptions or agendas. It is not a negative thing, it just is. You must be able to discern what their ideas and agendas are and, if possible, work out a solution which satisfies everyone as much as possible. You will never satisfy everyone 100%, and you will have to deal with the fallout of that. You could just go along with the majority, but your interests will likely not be satisfied. I have never seen a true consensual leadership style work. Someone has to coordinate, mediate and keep people informed. Someone must step up or nobody's interests will be satisfied and it will be every man for himself. Leadership does not need to be authoritarian, and planning and discussion should include all the possible information you can digest from all interested parties. you can even vote on the final decision. When it comes time to execute the decision, someone has to lead. Even the most democratic process must have a mediator to keep the discussion on topic and resolve disputes in a less than violent manner.

I have never met a person I didn't learn something from; even if it was how not to do things. There is too much knowledge out there to think one person can come up with all of the answers and be correct all of the time. Once the decision is made though, everyone must pony up or follow their own path.

Sorry, I have carried two SOCOM friends of mine to their graves from no opening. I find little humor in it.

I know that my gallows humor can put some people off; Desperado, I apologize if I offended. I tend towards a wry and cinical sense of humor. I have buried many close friends, carried their bodies off the drop zone or battlefield and at times had to pick up the body parts to carry back. I think psychologists call it a survival mechanism.

My apologies Desperado, no offence was meant. I too have removed friends and parts there of from various places around the world and buried them, it never does get easier.

Well, I didn't mean to over react. I had just finished speaking with one of the guys family when that popped up. My sense of humor is also from the gallows. When I was in nobody wanted to eat around us due to the stories we told at the table. Yeah, I understand the defence mech. I use it too. Sorry

8) Yup...never heard of THAT happening!