[September 20, 2019] The title of today’s article is from a quote by U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower. His sentiments reinforce the idea that leadership is complicated and difficult; an old theme of mind here at www.theLeaderMaker.com. The longer one practices the qualities of leadership, the more it becomes apparent and, well, the more it becomes obvious.
“I’ll tell you what leadership is. It’s persuasion and conciliation and education and patience. It’s long, slow, tough work. That’s the only kind of leadership I know.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States
As a leader of soldiers over many decades, I had to understand their problems, strength and weaknesses, and their journey to be a better soldier. I learned that the process of leadership is not scientific. It cannot be quantified in a formula or hard-and-fast rules.
Leadership is an idea as old as the most ancient man who led a hunting party, but it continues to elude even the most formally educated senior leader. This is why I recently wrote that leadership means reaching their souls. “Win their hearts and you will win the battle.”
Looking back across both time and cultures, there is one common theme we can see about leadership. Effective leadership is cultivated and it takes time and commitment to make this happen. We’ve all known young, whippersnappers (I like that term) who thought they could walk into a platoon or commercial company and start handing out orders and directives. They get shut down quickly.
I’m reminded of an early meeting between a junior lieutenant that I knew at his new unit. The day he arrived, instead of introducing himself and saying he was willing to learn before making any important decision, he told them that he was an “expert at Infantry tactics.” He began enumerating specific soldier abilities that he liked. This did not go down well. Most of his new unit just walked away from him while looking at the ground.
Being a good leader also means being humble, and it means being able to persuade others; regardless of rank and position. The junior lieutenant was tactically proficient (although not experienced), but he was not believable because of his overly simplistic approach. This is why I say leadership is both complex and difficult; it’s long, slow, tough work.
Best quote from the article and one I’m going to be using often, “Being a good leader also means being humble, and it means being able to persuade others; regardless of rank and position.”
You’ve hit on an old theme that my boss used to harp on us about. I worked in retail for many years (Sears, JC Penny, etc.) and found this to be so true. BUT, and this is a big but and lesson for us all, many of the new ‘managers’ used to assume they could wear the mantle of leadership right after being assigned the job. Too bad that is not how the real world works.
“Whippersnappers” what a funny term. I haven’t heard that term in a long time.
??
Ha Ha. Me either. Always get a special laugh out of many of Gen. Satterfield’s leader lessons.
Along with your input on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we are especially blessed today. It’s a great day to be an American and not a slave to communism or socialism (twin evils that have proven unequivocally horrible).
Another entertaining and informative article from The Leader Maker leadership website. Keep ’em coming our way. I print them out each morning and post on our company’s bulletin board for all to see. I get many positive comments.
Right but should we be educating the liberal uneducated in the real ways of being a true citizen or should we let them wallow in their stupidity, spit, and shinola?
Best comment of today.
Good one, Doc.
I like reaching their souls as the heart of the matter with leadership. Their minds are easy but their souls are difficult and will reap the most rewards.
You are right about this. Too bad most don’t really understand it.
“Win their hearts and you will win the battle.” Great quote, Gen. Satterfield…. I’ll be using it with my young High School students today. Of course, I will give you attribution.
I like the Eisenhower quote. He was, indeed, a great man. So reading some of his words (his thoughts) is helpful for me as I learn more about what it takes to be a good leader. I’ll never be great but I learned a long time ago, that even incremental improvements are better than the alternative of failure.
Hi Lynn, from your picture, do I see you in a USMC uniform and if so, thanks for your service.
Yes, Kenny! I’m in the U.S. Marines and have been there for over a decade. My service is for many reasons but serving our country to help protect it is the main reason.
Best wishes to you and your family. It is always a great pleasure to know folks who serve on active duty today. I’m honored.
Thank you for your service, Lynn. I also appreciate your informed opinions.
Thanks for asking the question, as I had also wondered the same thing. Thank you Lynn for your service.
This article by Gen. Satterfield is right on target. Leadership is not a position but a skill. It is developed over a long period of time. Some can do it better and faster but everyone must take the time and resources to get it right. That’s why I keep coming back here to https://www.theleadermaker.com for my news and education on leadership.
Good comment, Lynn. Thank you.
I really enjoyed today’s article; very informative.
Yeah! ???? It gets four thumbs up from me.