Leadership Lessons from… Jack Bauer

January 20th, 2010

The Jack Bauer Leadership Manual

24 Skills That Transform Ordinary People Into Extraordinary Leaders

In May of 2007, United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia joined judges from North America and Europe in Ottawa for a panel discussion about terrorism and the legality of torture. In reference to a Canadian judge’s comment about the extreme measures that counter terrorist agents may take, Justice Scalia said, “Jack Bauer saved Los Angeles… He saved hundreds of thousands of lives.” He continued by asking, “Are you going to convict Jack Bauer?” “I don’t think so.”

With an abundance of legal knowledge at his disposal, Justice Scalia chose to use as his heroic illustration - Jack Bauer. The oddity here is that this hero isn’t real. He lives for one suspense-filled hour each week on Fox’s cult television series “24.” What is it about this fictional character that has produced millions of hard-core fans? And why would Supreme Court Justices and Presidential hopefuls take the time to him?

The answer is this: Jack Bauer is an extraordinary leader.

At first glance, Jack Bauer appears to be just an average man - then that clock starts ticking. And when it does, he triumphs time and again over overwhelming odds by utilizing his well-honed leadership skills.

Think of all the diverse definitions of leadership you have read and Jack probably fills them all. He is a man of action – guiding teams of various sizes on successful missions. He is man of influence – persuading coworkers, enemies and even presidents. He is successful – it may take him a full 24 hours but he always comes out on top.

But he is not perfect. Perhaps that is his most relevant trait to would-be leaders. We like a good dose of reality, even in our fictional heroes. Kiefer Sutherland, the actor who portrays Jack Bauer, believes the reason so many people love the character is because they “respond to a guy who… succeeds on some level and fails on another.” (Rolling Stone Magazine)

Sure people like him but the question is: Why do people follow him? He often appears unstable, he has several former bosses who wouldn’t hire him as a dogcatcher and most shocking is his history of violence in the workplace, which includes shooting more than one coworker. Despite all of that, people still follow Jack Bauer because of his unique leadership skills.

I have found the top 24 leadership skills that he exhibits in his “fictional” life and how those skills can be emulated in your “real” life. This post is not about Leadership qualities. So many books talk about qualities that you may or may not have been born with. This post is about actual leadership skills that can be observed, learned and practiced.

You may never face biological weapons or have the fate of the world in your hands. Nuclear disarmament may never depend on you but the 24 skills that Jack Bauer uses to accomplish these amazing feats are just as essential to your daily success as a leader.

Bottom line: Whether you work at home, in a small office or an international company, The Jack Bauer Leadership Manual will help you become an extraordinary leader. Of course, these skills will also come in handy if you find yourself needing to save the world or just your part of it.

And the clock ticks on…

The Jack Bauer Leadership Manual

24 Skills That Transform Ordinary People Into Extraordinary Leaders

Skill #1 - Extraordinary Leaders Maintain Integrity

Skill #2 - Extraordinary Leaders Reciprocate Trust

Skill #3 - Extraordinary Leaders Exemplify Sacrifice

Skill #4 - Extraordinary Leaders Retain Perspective

Skill #5 - Extraordinary Leaders Generate Solutions

Skill #6 - Extraordinary Leaders Demonstrates Loyalty

Skill #7 - Extraordinary Leaders Embody Purpose

Skill #8 - Extraordinary Leaders Display Confidence

Skill #9 - Extraordinary Leaders Prioritize Objectives

Skill #10 - Extraordinary Leaders Welcome Accountability

Skill #11 - Extraordinary Leaders Negotiate Terms

Skill #12 - Extraordinary Leaders Develop Teamwork

Skill #13 - Extraordinary Leaders Motivate Others

Skill #14 - Extraordinary Leaders Handle Stress

Skill #15- Extraordinary Leaders Locate Resources

Skill #16 - Extraordinary Leaders Analyze Information

Skill #17 - Extraordinary Leaders Manage Time

Skill #18 - Extraordinary Leaders Communicate Expectations

Skill #19 - Extraordinary Leaders Take Initiative

Skill #20 - Extraordinary Leaders Build Relationships

Skill #21 - Extraordinary Leaders Sustain Self-discipline

Skill #22 - Extraordinary Leaders Keep Composure

Skill #23 - Extraordinary Leaders Execute Plans

Skill #24 - Extraordinary Leaders Embody Purpose

Michael E. Waddell is the co-author of Toy Box Leadership: Leadership Lessons From The Toys You Loved As A Child

Entry Filed under: Leaders