When is it OK for a leader to throw in a towel?

[Jacek Polubiec]

I believe that throwing in a towel symbolizes giving up and has no place in leadership. Giving up is essentially allowing the circumstances to decide for themselves what must take place. When a leader makes a decision not to pursue a project, abandon an idea or stop an activity to walkaround the block to relieve stress, he or she does not give up. Instead, he/she is being proactive and leads the way towards an alternative situation exercising exactly what a leader supposed to do. On the other hand, when a leader is so overwhelmed with circumstances that he/she just walk away, he/she essentially surrenders his/her leadership position. In other words, leaders don't quit, give up or throw in a towel because when they do they are not leaders anymore. What do you think about this issue?

[Daisy Torres]

I agree. One must not give up or abandon when things get tough. Being a leader is not an easy job and requires a "thick skin" and a certain personality to deal with the various responsiblities, stress, decisions, and confrontations. One must really consider these scenarios seriously before accepting such a position.