Let us be remembered not by the warnings we gave – but by the action we took
Tom Fletcher
In celebration of World Humanitarian Day last week, we highlight the words of the British Diplomat and writer Tom Fletcher. This week, we reflect on Fletcher's perspective on the importance of fast actions over deliberation and warnings:
Tom Fletcher: "Let us be remembered not by the warnings we gave – but by the action we took".
Action over Warning
Thomas Fletcher serves as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Previous roles include serving as Foreign Policy Adviser to multiple prime ministers and as British Ambassador to Lebanon. He was one of the youngest to take a position like this, at the age of 36. He spearheaded the establishment of the UK Lebanon Tech Hub, which helped develop 91 start-ups, earning over $64 million in venture capital and creating over 2,000 jobs in Lebanon and the United Kingdom. Fletcher has vocally advocated against Israel's use of humanitarian aid as an instrument of war. He is the author of 'The Naked Diplomat: Power and Statecraft in the Digital Age' and other works.
Leadership Driven by Bold Action
Fletcher's words remind us that fast, urgent action takes precedent over mere warnings, particularly in emergencies and times of high crisis. It is much easier to give a warning or site research, but much more challenging to actually take a concrete step towards solving urgent issues at hand.
Fletcher's words align with the Laidlaw value of being #Fast and the Oxford Character Project Leadership Virtue of #Drive. Being fast means responding quickly to challenges and taking purposeful action in urgent situations. Drive means putting results at the forefront and taking passionate action.
A Call to Reflect
We invite you to reflect on Tom Fletcher's powerful leadership insights. Please share in the comments an example from your own leadership experience where you chose action over warning. How did it impact the outcome?
Hannah Watton
(She/Her)
Marketing Manager, Laidlaw Foundation
Hi! Having previously been a Laidlaw Undergraduate Scholar studying English Literature at UCL, I am now the Marketing Manager of the Laidlaw Foundation.
My research looked at collaborative and innovative practices in academic publishing, and community building is something I built a passion for during my Leadership in Action. Feel free to reach out or connect with me!
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