Leadership Lessons from the Cuban Missile Crisis

Wes O'Donnell discusses leadership lessons from JFK's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war in 1962 when Soviet missiles were discovered in Cuba. Kennedy, under pressure, chose a naval blockade over invasion, leading to a peaceful resolution. Key lessons include staying calm under pressure, focusing on goals, dealing with ambiguity, and effective delegation.

Who is the speaker in the video and what is his background?

• Robert Kennedy, US Attorney General

• Nikita Khrushchev, Premier of the Soviet Union

• Wes O'Donnell, a veteran of the US Army and Air Force

• John F. Kennedy, former US President

What event brought the world to the brink of nuclear war in October 1962?

• The Vietnam War

• The Cuban Missile Crisis

• The Korean War

• The Bay of Pigs Invasion

Why was the placement of Soviet missiles in Cuba a significant threat to the US?

• They were close enough to launch a first strike on the US

• They could be used to invade the US

• They were intended to start a war with Canada

• They were aimed at US allies in Europe

What was Kennedy's initial response to the discovery of missiles in Cuba?

• He ordered a full-scale invasion of Cuba

• He launched a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union

• He ignored the threat

• He decided on a naval blockade

How did Kennedy handle the pressure from the Joint Chiefs during the crisis?

• He resigned from his position

• He ignored their advice completely

• He rejected their invasion plan and chose a blockade

• He agreed to their demands for an invasion

What was the outcome of the US naval blockade of Cuba?

• The Soviet Union launched a counterattack

• The US invaded Cuba

• The Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles

• The US removed its missiles from Cuba

What did the US agree to do as part of the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

• Launch a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union

• Invade Cuba

• Increase its military presence in Cuba

• Remove its missiles from Turkey

What is one key leadership lesson from Kennedy's handling of the crisis?

• Focus on the goal and keep it simple

• Avoid delegating tasks

• Always act impulsively

• Respond emotionally to events

What role did Robert Kennedy play during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

• He was the Premier of the Soviet Union

• He was the US President

• He negotiated directly with the Soviet ambassador

• He led the invasion of Cuba

What is a recommended approach to dealing with ambiguity, according to the leadership lessons?

• Avoid making decisions

• Respond emotionally

• Become more adaptable

• Ignore the situation