The Cuban Missile Crisis took place in October 1962. President Kennedy feared that nuclear war might happen and decided to take a special approach. After a series of mistakes, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion, John F. Kennedy understood how harmful impulsive actions can be.

The President tried to understand the reasons behind the Soviet's decision to place missiles in Cuba. He suggested that Nikita Khrushchev believed in America's lack of strength. This helped Kennedy create a strategy to ease the tension and secure his country. That's when the President decided on the naval blockade of Cuba, not the military invasion. This decision gave him time to develop his strategy even further.

Kennedy believed it was important to build consensus among people. He valued building coalitions and felt it was the best way to achieve his leadership goals. During the crisis, President Kennedy's calmness and open-mindedness helped to prevent a disaster. He listened to a variety of opinions and advice from experienced diplomats and previous presidents. Kennedy also insisted on the importance of remaining level-headed. At the end of the day, his self-control and patience led him to success, and Khrushchev expressed interest in reaching an agreement.

The story ended with a peaceful settlement. Kennedy's empathetic and well-planned leadership averted a crisis. This situation also highlighted the importance of mental clarity in critical decision-making. Thus, it's crucial to stay present and seek different perspectives to make effective decisions. Maintaining a sense of clarity and being flexible is also critical.