Storming the beaches of Normandy, fighting battles I have never imagined nor would I ever experience in the same manner. Voluntarily picking up arms to fight in the greatest war the world has ever seen. These were the men and women of what Tom Brokaw called The Greatest Generation.
Years ago I read the book by that title and pulled it off my bookshelf as I was thinking about this week’s blog. In the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers a specific individual of this generation was highlighted for his leadership. As I think of this great generation, I see at least three leadership traits we can learn from them to challenge us.
Honorable
A generation that was exiting the Great Depression, the most difficult time in the history of the United States. Our country was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor and fifty million individuals had registered for the draft with ten million inducted into the military. These individuals wanted to serve their country and fight for freedom no matter the cost. And for many the cost was their life.
These men and women had a moral compass that guided their decisions. This is honor. Major Dick Winters who was highlighted in The Band of Brothers said it well:
“Wars do not make men great, but they do bring out the greatness in good men.”
All leaders are fighting a war, nothing like a world war, but we all have daily battles. When we lead with honor and a moral compass guiding us then each night we can rest peacefully.
Determined
Tom Brokaw writes about Martha Settle Putney who was a young black woman from Norristown, Pennsylvania. When the war broke out she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Corp, the women in the army and this was no small decision. As a young black woman, she blazed a trail and fought many battles for the rights of black women during her time serving in leadership roles in the military.
This determination was not just representative of her, but many in her generation. A thought from this now retired history professor that Brokaw shares captures the determination not only of this amazing woman, but a generation of people:
“Work hard. If you fail, don’t look around for others to blame. Look in the mirror. You have to accept responsibility for your own life.”
As leaders we must be determined and accept responsibility for our choices. Failure is part of the leadership journey. We must have the determination not to quit, but continue working toward the goal and learning from the failures along the path.
Proud yet Humble
While preparing for this I came across a documentary on Amazon Prime about Major Dick Winters of Easy Company. The paratroopers who dropped in behind enemy lines on D-Day. As they discussed and interviewed Winters, I saw a man who represented a generation of leaders.
Winters was what Jim Collins in his book Good to Great describes as a Level 5 leader. Collins describes it as a blend of professional will and humility. Winters demonstrated this with a healthy pride in what he did and was called to, and the humility to know he could not accomplish it without his team. He boldly led from the front but knew that being a strong leader means relying on others.
I would suggest any leader that aspires to grow into the greatest leader he or she can become must have this blend. Pride in what they do and humility to know they need a team. A statement Winters made in the documentary “Hang Tough” says it well:
“Set an example, let them follow you.”
As a leader how are you doing in each of these areas? Take a minute to evaluate the example you are modeling in your behavior, honor, and willingness to work hard even through adversity. Need someone to process this with? Contact me for a thirty-minute no cost to you coaching session. Be a great leader in this generation for your team today. Lead Well.
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