I might as well continue the topic of leadership since I am attending a graduate class on leadership this week. I draw today's thoughts from a book I read a couple of years ago.
I enjoy reading World War II history. In fact, I have a special interest in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations because that was where my dad served. I have been actively researching my dad’s military life from his induction in May 9, 1942 until his discharge on November 11, 1945. I hope one day to completely retrace his footsteps from basic training in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, through the Louisiana Maneuvers and Desert Warfare Training at Camp Pilot Knob, California to his departure from Newport News, Virginia, to his arrival in Casablanca, North Africa and his participation in the major campaigns to liberate Italy.
In my search for information, I stumbled across an interesting book that had some practical application for us who are in ministry and are desirous of developing our leadership skills. I had never really thought about the qualities that made George S. Patton a highly successful leader until I read the book, "Patton On Leadership: Strategic Lessons For Corporate Warfare." Most people have probably formed an opinion about General George S. Patton from having seen the Oscar winning film starring George C. Scott as the general. Patton is a controversial figure in U.S. history. In spite of his faults, idiosyncrasies and controversies, he is among the greatest and most successful generals in U.S. history. Patton was a brilliant strategist and leader.
Patton had many flaws, but those same flaws made him approachable. For example, he suffered from dyslexia, yet managed to survive the academic rigors of West Point. As were many people of his time, he was a bigot and racist, yet he racially integrated his Third Army when the rest of the U.S. armed forces were resisting. By military standards, Patton was a conservative and worshiped tradition, yet he was the most innovative of commanders and the army’s leading champion of cutting-edge mechanized warfare.
What were some of the good nuggets I collected from my reading?
A leader will lead. We must look like a leader, talk like a leader, be a model leader. A leader is one who can adapt, not just apply, principles to circumstances. Leaders dominate but are not domineering. Patton led his men. He did not rule them. Leaders go the extra mile. They do more than is asked of them. A leader is committed and focused. “To command an army well, a general must think of nothing else” - Napoleon, quoted by Patton in his West Point notebook.
A leader develops a winning attitude. Success is a winning attitude. A leader goes forward. A leader will make every move count. Bill Parcells, coach of the Dallas Cowboys (formerly of the Patriots, Giants and Jets) exudes this. He has turned losing teams into winning franchises.
A leader is a student of learning. Patton was a product of his extensive reading.
A leader manages change. You cannot resist change - successfully. Leaders are able to navigate and lead their organization through change productively. Cultivate the habit of looking at situations from a fresh perspective.
A leader trains, mentors, motivates and inspires others. Invest in people. An effective leader is to busy training their subordinates to be their replacement instead of building a personal empire in order to appear indispensable.
A leader is a communicator. A leader can articulate his mission and goals clearly in a way that those under him are able to comprehend them. Communication is two-way. Be accessible and available.
A leader creates efficiency. A leader knows how to manage time and resources effectively for maximum productivity.
A leader exudes courage and character. Accept accountability for your decisions and demand accountability from others. Failures can be an opportunity for learning and recovery. Successes can dull further action or a drive to greater successes.
Leaders manage the impossible. With God all things are possible.
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