ABSTRACT
Megan Ferland actions offer a sterling example of high-stakes leadership. Despite the risk to her organization of returning a $100,000 contribution, Ferland's deep well of courage, good judgment, and personal fortitude led her make the right decision for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Leaders who provide a succinct and vivid description of the direction the company needs to go have far greater influence than those who speak only of profit. Leaders must provide a beacon that is, in the words of Frances Hesselbein, "as constant as the North Star". Leaders who are courageous, use good judgment, and have fortitude generate dividends beyond those achievable with only one or two of these attributes. The model of high-stakes leadership to help the clients better defines what they need to bring strategy to life. Richard Feynman demonstrates an important attribute of high-stakes leadership, that of being pragmatic even while working on a critical and highly technical mission.
