Real leaders apply the people around them to their best strengths. They don’t put their subordinates in “time out” by keeping them in the dark about do-or-die operational plans. They recognize how continuous stress will affect the people around them—and seek to aim those leaders in support of operational success, not troll them to personal satisfaction. Vice Admiral Holdo and Poe are both selfless heroes, but they are respectively a horribly flawed leader and commander. Unfortunately for the fleet, Vice Admiral Holdo was unable to be the leader the Resistance needed.

Matthew Hipple is a naval officer and former president of the Center for International Maritime Security. His opinions are his own, and do not represent the U.S. Government, Department of Defense or Department of the Navy.

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