Next week marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. There are so many lessons we can learn from those who lead, followed and fought on that great battlefield. The days leading up to the battle found Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, commander of the 20th Maine Infantry, with much less than half the soldiers (300) his regiment should have had (1,000). It was here that Chamberlain faced the distasteful duty of addressing "mutinous" soldiers assigned to the 20th Infantry from the old 2nd Maine, which had been mustered out. A group of 120 men whose enlistments had not expired refused to carry arms and were placed under arrest. Chamberlain was told he was allowed to shoot them if they did not comply with orders. These men were fed up with the war and the leaders they had served under thus far, who they felt cared nothing about them. Chamberlain knew they were on the eve of a great and decisive battle, and he needed these 120 men. He also knew that additional corporal punishment and the threat of execution would not inspire them to take up arms and devote themselves to pushing forward against great odds. He instead gave them a compelling, inspiring and shared vision. He explained to them what they were facing and the consequences of defeat. He impressed upon them that they were all in this together. He made them realize that he valued them and needed them. He needed them to be part of something bigger than all of them, and that no amount of authority or power could force them to fight with all their heart, rather only they could make that decision. He gave them something that they had lacked up until that time, trust, respect and inspiring leadership. In the end, all but 6 took up arms with the 20th Maine and fought with distinction in the Battle of Gettysburg. We can compel our followers to do what we want them to do through money, benefits or the power of our position or rank. But that only goes so far, and doesn’t usually inspire people to go beyond the minimum required standard. We must capture their hearts and minds, and inspire their passion. Give people something to believe in, an inspiring and shared vision, your trust and respect, and they will follow you into any battle!
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 22:04:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015