These past few weeks, moviegoers have been raving about this
film depicting the life of a controversial Filipino general during the
Fil-American war before the beginning the 20th century. So, today
I’d like to write about my favorite military quotes. A leader who remembers
them may have an edge in the battlefield of life and work.
“The morale of the
soldier is the greatest single factor in war. “
Sir Bernard Law
Montgomery, British Field Marshall
The battle plans of a general may be bullet-proof but the
behavior of a handful of his soldiers can tear it down entirely. An example in
history tells us that gate guards who accepted bribes allowed the enemy to pass
through a thick defensive wall built over many, many years.
Many offensives failed and many defensive lines broke down because
troops were not zealous enough to advance or to hold their position.
In the civilian office, organizational charts always look
good on paper. But work will not flow as designed and desired if some employees
don’t care enough. Maybe they don’t understand how the company makes money,
maybe they don’t have a sense of mission to the community, maybe they don’t
even like their boss.
A company officer’s strategic brilliance or prestigious education
will not work if he fails to enlist the committed cooperation of every
employee. They have to know why their part, no matter how small it seems,
matters in the larger scheme of things. That’s is why every leader has to be
almost like a spiritual leader.
We must not rely too much on org charts, job descriptions
and training. It is good to continuously invest in motivation, loyalty and
relationships.
“No battle plan
survives contact with the enemy.“
Helmuth Von Moltke,
German Field Marshall
Even one of history’s greatest military leaders knew that
the best plan will never happen exactly as planned.
We may predict the scenario but there are
factors often beyond our control. The weather. Our enemy’s tactics. Our own
troops’ morale. The behavior of civilians in the area. The communication
system. Disease. Etc.,etc. Once the enemy appears on the horizon, soldiers may
forget, fear or fail to execute.
Like generals, coaches and politicians, a leader must always
have a plan B, C, D, E.
This lesson also reminds us to not lose heart when we can't predict with precision or achieve perfection. We are only strategists, not psychics.
A movie director’s final edit may not be free from the
producer’s cost-cutting “suggestions.” A coach will accept that the game plan
was not executed because the key player sustained an injury. Parents cannot
always keep their children away from “bad” friends.
The important thing is that we don’t panic in the middle of
the battle. And that we can always gather our troops to fight another day.
“Follow me, lead me
or get out of my way.”
Gen George S Patton,
Commander of the Seventh United States Army
There are contrarians everywhere. These are people who
delight in contradicting people, theories, even history. They love to start
debates, they question policies and they often give the leader a headache.
They can be annoying but it is good to have one who
challenges group thinking.
( Groupthink is dangerous. ) If the contrarian has the good
intention of helping you succeed, and they‘re making sense, give them the
chance to influence your plan. Give them credit, too.
If such person is sincere but does not seem to have a bright
idea, acknowledge his eagerness but make him understand why his suggestion will
not work.
There are some people who just want to make noise because
they want to look smarter than everyone or they want to seize leadership. Their
love for their ego is tearing the team apart.
If you have patience, try to win them over to your side. First,
use a heart to heart talk. If it doesn’t work, give a warning. Finally, send
them to the firing squad.
Never allow yourself to be distracted by people like them.
In work and in life, we will face many battles. Some wars we
choose, some we have to fight because we have to survive. We, the leader,
should be determined to be the last man standing.
But one man fighting a whole army only happens in the
movies. We have to make sure that everyone in the office, from the lowest rank up
to the Board of Directors, believes in what US Army Chief of Staff Gen Douglas
MacArthur said :
“It is fatal to enter
a war without the will to win it. “
If you have concerns about your job or if you wish to
suggest a topic, you may email me at rglabayen@gmail.com
I would assume that you’re giving me permission to
publish your email ( if chosen) and my reply. Your identity will not be disclosed.
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