A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. ~Gen. MacArthur
Douglas MacArthur was one of the finest military leaders the United States ever produced. He was an effective general, a brilliant strategist, a farsighted administrator, and a corporate leader.
Not long ago my husband and I visited the Mc Arthur Museum. Since we both admire the general greatly, it was a special treat. While there I thought a lot about lessons contemporary leaders can learn from his leadership. I’m sure there are many more, but here are the ones I thought were especially relevant today.
- Vision. He kept the overall picture in mind all the time. He was able to communicate and to influence others to want to be a part of his vision. He saw the importance of winning the war, and the peace after the war. “A better world shall emerge based on faith and understanding,” he said.
- Purpose. He developed his forces to follow his leadership call. During WWII his purpose was “To win the war on the Pacific.” He kept this purpose in sight even when he had to retreat. He did not give up. He found a different approach, an alternatives way to win. He said: “We are not retreating - we are advancing in another direction.” He once also said: “Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.”
- Mission. He always had a very clear sense of mission. In the Philippines, His mission was to push the Japanese back in order to win the war. When he had to retreat, he made a promise and kept it: “I shall return.”
- Warmhearted. Everybody was extremely loyal to him because they believed that he genuinely cared for them. He said of his soldiers: “They died hard, those savage men - like wounded wolves at bay. They were filthy, and they were lousy, and they stunk. And I loved them.”
- Situational Awareness. He had a good information network that kept him aware of what was the current situation. Most importantly, he was willing to listen. I’m sure he did not like the idea of retreat. Yet, aware of the danger, he listened to the need for retreat, and turned an apparent setback into a victory. Otherwise he most likely would have been captured which would have been a major victory for the enemy.
- Cultural awareness. The way General MacArthur treated Japan before, during, and after surrender is a great lesson in cultural sensitivity. He studied, understood, and appreciated Japanese culture.
He understood that if the emperor said to give up, the Japanese people would surrender. He also understood how important it was to let them “save face” even in defeat.
As the markets today become more global, and as organizations become multinational, an understanding of cultures and their values is crucial. - Listening. From the beginning of his career he was a good listener, listening to subordinates, to natives, and to superiors. Listening helped him clarify strategies, understand the unknown, and develop loyalty and respect among his men, the natives, and even his former enemies.
- Playing by the Rules.- Even the best of leaders can become prideful and start thinking they are above the rules. Unfortunately, by the Korean war MacArthur started thinking he knew it all. He followed his own agenda, even when the President of the United States was asking him to do something different.
Maybe he should have stepped down if he could not follow orders. Instead, he stubbornly insisted on doing things his way. As a consequence, he was relieved of his duties. It is unfortunate his record had to end on such a sad note.
There is a warning here for leaders: Even if you think you know what’s best, and want to play only by your own rules, it’s better to listen and accept the new rules of engagement when needed. Although for a time it might seem you can get away with doing things your way, eventually there comes a day of reckoning.
Current leaders need to be careful they don’t get so wrapped up in urgent things that they lose the vision of the important things for the future, like leadership development, talent management, and succession planning.
As a result, he got the unconditional loyalty of local Philippines who took great risks to help accomplish the mission. He was a master at eliciting and inspiring collaboration.
Treating people with respect and courtesy, and listening to their needs with care, makes people want to follow you.
As a leader you need to learn how to keep dangers, far and close, in your vision. Assessment of risk is important. Heeding the signs you become aware of, is even more vital.
I leave you with the General’s famous prayer for his son, which could be a good ideal for leaders:
Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.”
What do you think?
I would like to know your thoughts. Which of the mentioned strengths do you value most? Why? Which one do you need the most for your success? Share your comments with us.