Good leaders do this well. They don't lead out of a predetermined package of behaviors, but size up every situation and discern what must happen to reach the desired goal. Like a half-back who reads the defense, then calls an audible from the line of scrimmage, good leaders remain flexible and may change their response, based not on what a person deserves, but on what they need to succeed. Good leaders follow this path in difficult situations:
They need - They aren't afraid to admit they need to listen and get Understanding.
They read - They evaluate what has happened and what steps are best to take.
They feed - They communicate what they've observed to key players.
They heed - They act on the basis of their discovery, even if it means change.
They lead - They provide direction to those involved.