One of the hardest assumptions to dispel is the idea that the leader is the supreme expert: The leader makes the plan, and subordinates execute it. When there is uncertainty, the leader provides definitive answers. And if any subordinate fails to deliver, the leader metes out appropriate punishment—because failure to execute the plan is a sign of incompetence. By now I hope you see how many situations in the modern world defy this older paradigm. Many failures are caused not by incompetent execution but by reality failing to live up to the assumptions built into the plan.
