The Wisdom of the Bullfrog Ch 6

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Questions and Answers

How did the Colonel feel about the civilian casualty incident?

He was devastated that it happened (correct)

He was happy with the outcome

He was indifferent to the incident

He was angry at the soldiers involved

What does the phrase 'run to the sound of the guns' mean in the context of the passage?

To avoid dangerous situations

To retreat strategically during a battle

To run away from combat

To rush towards action and danger (correct)

Why was the narrator dreaming of Paris?

He was excited about visiting a new city

He was homesick and wanted to see his family (correct)

He was looking for a peaceful escape from his duties

He was seeking inspiration for his upcoming military mission

What can be inferred about the narrator's personality from the way he responds to the news of the civilian casualty incident?

He is dedicated to his duty and empathetic towards civilians (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the chapter?

To recount a personal story about a soldier’s experience in war (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key piece of terrain that the Union forces secured at Gettysburg?

McPherson’s Ridge (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the critical action taken by the Union forces that left their left flank exposed?

Moving away a part of their troops from the left flank of the Union forces from Little Round Top to reinforce the North. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What strategic military objective did the Confederates intend to achieve by capturing Little Round Top?

To defeat the entire Union Army by capturing Little Round Top and then attacking through the Union lines. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the reluctance of the CEO of the parent company of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig to visit the site of the disaster?

He was afraid of being blamed for the disaster. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Colonel Joshua Chamberlain's military background before the Civil War?

He was a professor of modern language at Bowdoin College. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Chamberlain order his soldiers to do when they were overwhelmed by the Confederate troops?

They were told to charge downhill toward the Confederate force, using their bayonets. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events is most accurately described as a “crisis” according to the excerpt?

The oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant difference in leadership style between Joshua Chamberlain and the CEO of the parent company of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig?

Chamberlain was prepared to face the crisis and accept responsibility whereas the CEO was not prepared and was not willing to accept responsibility. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main takeaway of this chapter regarding the role of leadership in crisis situations?

Leaders should be willing to accept responsibility and confront problems head-on. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leadership in Crisis

Extraordinary Individuals Found Companies: Motivated, intelligent, and aggressive people are crucial for founding successful corporations, according to Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Afghanistan Incident

Civilian Casualties: A mission in Afghanistan led to civilian casualties, requiring intervention by the author.
Initial Reaction: The author knew the urgency of the situation and communicated with his family.
The Importance of Presence: The author’s presence was essential to address the crisis and restore trust.
Responsibility and Aggressiveness are Essential: Leaders must be proactive in handling problems, not reactive.
Family's Understanding: In times of crisis, family has a vital support role.

Gettysburg Battle

Confederate Offensive: General Robert E. Lee's troops were advancing from Virginia toward Pennsylvania in 1863.
Union Defense: Union troops under General George Meade defended key terrain near Gettysburg, including Cemetery Ridge and Little Round Top.
Critical Flank: Little Round Top was a vulnerable point on the Union's left flank.
20th Maine's Role: The 20th Maine Infantry Regiment, commanded by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, played an essential role in defending Little Round Top from a superior Confederate force.
Chamberlain's Action: Facing imminent defeat, Chamberlain rallied his men with a decisive charge, turning the tide of the battle.
Impact of Leadership: Chamberlain's leadership, along with the soldier's courage, was crucial in saving the Union forces at Gettysburg and potentially affecting the outcome of the Civil War.

Deepwater Horizon Incident

Slow Response: The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven men, was met with a slow response from the parent company.
CEO's Inaction: The CEO remained in London, downplayed the incident's severity, and focused on his personal concerns instead of leading the crisis response.
Leadership Failure: Ignoring the impact of their actions on the larger community caused reputational harm and damage to their leadership skills.

Avoiding Problems

Reluctance to Be a Leader: Leaders sometimes avoid taking responsibility or addressing problems because it reflects the severity of the situation.
Addressing Crises: Leaders must face and resolve crises, accepting responsibility and working to overcome issues.
Aggressive Action: Actively taking charge and addressing problems directly is crucial for successful leadership.
Communication: Constant dialogue is important for success.

Overall Study Points

Running to the Sound of the Guns: Swiftly addressing issues with calculated aggression.
Importance of Leadership: Leaders must accept responsibility and prioritize addressing challenges.
Strategic Leadership: Understanding immediate reactions and taking charge when needed is key to leadership performance.

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Description

This quiz explores themes of leadership during crises, featuring insights from historical events like the Battle of Gettysburg and modern military operations in Afghanistan. Delve into the characteristics of effective leaders and their vital roles in times of urgency and stress. Assess your understanding of leadership dynamics and the impact of personal responsibilities.