Advice from one of the greatest leaders and decision-makers
of our time: General Norman Schwarzkopf.
As a young man, Schwarzkopf worked as an assistant to a general.
At one point, the general was involved in a research project that the
Pentagon was working on. For five years, no decisions had been made
on how to implement the project. There were two options available, but
no one had been able to choose between them.
After an hour-long meeting about the project, the general simply stood up, pointed at one
of the options, and said, “That one!” After just one hour, he was able to make the decision
that no one had been able to make up until then.
Later, Schwarzkopf asked the general how he had made that decision in only an hour,
when everyone else involved in the project was so uncertain and there were reams and
reams of research that he hadn’t seen. The general told Schwarzkopf that, truthfully, no
one knew what the right decision was, but he knew that action needed to be taken. “The
option I chose will be right,” he said, “because we’ll put all of our resources into it and
make it right. Or, if it turns out to be wrong, we’ll discover that quickly and do what needs
to be done to go in the right direction.”
Related
John WeirWith over 27 years in Healthcare Environmental Services (ES), I lead with a belief that attitude drives outcomes. As a Regional Director at MultiCare Health System, I oversee multi-site ES operations with a focus on people-first leadership, infection control, and operational excellence.
I champion a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) not as a slogan, but as a leadership principle. I believe positivity is contagious, and as a leader, I set the tone. Through consistent, uplifting communication, I create environments where ES teams feel empowered to be helpful, proactive, and proud of their impact.
For me, development is a choice, and I invest in training, huddles, and coaching that energize teams, helping them thrive in their current roles and grow toward what’s next. My approach to high standards isn't theoretical, it's practical. Just like we notice when a hotel room is clean and fresh, patients and families immediately sense a space that’s been cared for.
Through standardized protocols, team accountability, and a shared mission, I help create clean, safe, and healing environments that directly enhance patient experience and staff well-being. It's a privilege to lead teams that play such a vital role in the patient journey, and to help elevate the perception and performance of ES professionals across our system.
