Without saying a word, Warren Buffett successor Greg Abel just taught a powerful lesson in leadership

What’s the most powerful thing you can do to establish yourself when you’re the new CEO of a company? Not just any company, a trillion-dollar company that has existed for 187 years. The CEO you’re replacing is so beloved, his nickname is “the Oracle of Omaha.” And everyone, including the news media and the company’s shareholders, is watching you closely for any sign of failure. They’re all certain you can’t possibly live up to the genius of Warren Buffett. There’s one very strong move you can make in that situation. Prove your own confidence by making very public bet on yourself. It’s gutsy. But it can be a very smart move if you’re facing skepticism in a new leadership position. Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel just did that. Abel took over from Buffett in January, although Buffett said Abel had been making some of Berkshire’s investment decisions for years. Abel started his tenure as CEO with lots of money to spend, about $380 billion in cash and short-term Treasuries. Buffett accumulated these funds over the past few years. He likens investing to being a batter at home plate who can wait out an unlimited number of pitches until the perfect one comes along. He famously doesn’t b…