The story of a racist USDA employee, pressured to resign over her treatment of a white farmer, was promoted by FOX news, which has never been a credible news source. Any leader who bases his actions upon their stories is not an effective leader and should be replaced. The wife of the white farmer considers Shirley Sherrod a "friend for life." The farmer himself said that she helped him save his farm. In regard to the supposed "racist incident," he said that it sounds like someone is trying to stir up trouble.
One of the problems in general with leaders of all kinds is that they act in haste, motivated by fear, before learning all of the details about a situation. There is almost always time available for cool and calm analysis. Those who think in a heated state of fear or greed will make errors. As a computer programmer, I used time to my advantage, gathering up sufficient details to make informed judgments about the cause of a given problem. This cautious approach allowed me to counter serious problems with effective one-shot kills. I was known as an effective trouble-shooter because I took the time to think things through and consider the possibilities.
Those who make high-level decisions have a similar responsibility as a computer programmer. They must take the time and effort to probe into issues and learn the facts surrounding a case before making a decision. There are very few issues that require an instant response. Rapid reactions should almost never be contemplated unless absolutely necessary. To act quickly without sufficient preparation and analysis is to invite mistakes, which can lead to greater problems. I know this all too well, because I have seen programmers fail. I have seen small problems snowball into great problems. I have cleaned up the resulting messes.
It is not Shirley Sherrod who should resign, but instead her boss, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who has revealed an appalling weakness in his leadership style. He reminds me G. W. Bush, who had an enthusiasm for acting in ignorance. Bush was proud of his ignorance, viewing as a kind of virtue, a popular fad among conservatives.
The ignorant remain so due to their pride, which preserves and protects their ignorance. To be curious is good. To want to know more is the way.
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