Great leaders are big enough and strong enough to accept full responsibility for their own decisions – and the actions of subordinates. And the result? Almost always, the leader experiences a surge of respect. After Kennedy’s unconditional acceptance of responsibility for the Bay of Pigs failure, the Gallup poll registered a 61-percent approval rating for the president. Obviously the public didn’t approve of Kennedy’s military failure – but they did approve of the character he displayed in accepting the blame. Great leaders are boldly accountable. They accept full responsibility for themselves and their people.
Paradox of Power by Pat Williams