Bold leaders from the cautious and risk averse?

One wonders about the internal inconsistency of seeking leaders among the group that is known for being risk-adverse (See my post of Oct. 18, 2005 on “scheissenbedauern,” which translates as “I’m in fact sorry the thing didn’t blow up, like I predicted.”).

A hallmark of a good leader is a willingness to take chances, to move forward when much information is not known, and to act even though something might go wrong (See my post of Jan. 16, 2006 on risk aversion and the principle-agent problem.).

Lawyers, by personality, education or career prone to caution, make barren ground for the seeds of leadership. It’s a wonder general counsel – classic examples of the Peter Principal as far as management and leadership? – can direct their departments.