Why Does Larry Ellison Think Bravado Helps Leaders?

David Senra reads Larry Ellison's case for bravado. He does not apologize for confidence and bravado, because that confidence and bravado make for better leadership. You cannot lead if you are filled with uncertainty.

Picture two officers, each leading a company of Marines up a hill. The first tells the men they are going up the hill and are going to kill every enemy soldier on the way to the top. He is going first. He has not lost one of them yet, and all of them are going to make the top with him. He is cool, competent, and confident. The second admits he does not know how many enemy soldiers are on the hill and has never really done anything like it. He will go first if they follow, but the group might make it or might not, and there is no way to know for certain. Even if they make the top, it is highly likely that some of them will be killed. The second officer is impressively honest about fears and uncertainties. Maybe he should become a psychotherapist. There is no way anyone is following him anywhere.

The officer people follow sounds sure about the hill, the fight, and getting everyone to the top together.