Leadership on the Battlefield

The battlefield is the true test of leadership. This article8. Do I delegate tasks that should be mine?
explores the principles of 3 leading generals in battle.9. Do I arrogate everything to myself and delegate
Here are three sets of leadership principles asnothing?
practised by 3 of the most effective military leaders of10. Do I develop my subordinates by placing on each
the last half century: General Bernard Montgomery,one as much responsibility as he can stand?
General Douglas MacArthur, and General Colin Powell.11. Am I interested in the personal welfare of each of
1. Monty's Principles. General Bernard Montgomerymy subordinates, as if he were a member of my own
was sent to the demoralised Allied forces in Northfamily?
Africa in one of the worst periods of World War II in12. Have I the calmness of voice and manner to inspire
1942 shortly after the fall of Tobruk. On arrival, heconfidence, or am I inclined to irascibility and excitability?
immediately set out the ten principles by which he13. Am I inclined to be nice to my superiors and mean
would lead his men. This is how he put them to histo my subordinates?
officers:14. Am I a constant example to my subordinates in
1. First, there must be a change of atmosphere, thencharacter, dress, deportment and courtesy?
2. two-way trust15. Is my door open to my subordinates?
3. teamwork16. Do I think more of POSITION (STATUS) than JOB?
4. clear objectives17. Do I correct a subordinate in front of others?
5. clear communications6. self-belief(Source: "The West Point Way Of Leadership" by
7. adequate resourcesColonel Larry R Donnithorne)
8. an insistence on good performance3. Powell's Principles. General Colin Powell was
9. humanityChairman of the American Joint Chiefs of Staff from
10. controlled aggression towards the enemy.1989 to 1993 and one of the key leaders of
He then warned his officers that if anyone didn'tOperations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the
believe they could follow these principles, they shouldmilitary campaigns to protect Saudi Arabia and liberate
leave at once. Nobody left. Shortly after, Monty led theKuwait from Iraqi occupation. The following list of
Allies to their crushing victory at El Alamein and turnedleadership principles comes from an article by Powell in
the balance of the war.Air Force magazine in March 1991.
2. MacArthur's 17 Questions. Douglas MacArthur was1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the
leader of American forces in the Pacific from 1942 tomorning.
1945. He led the assault to re-capture the Philippines2. Get mad, then get over it.
which turned the tide in favour of the Allied forces. His3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that,
principles of leadership were formulated in a series ofwhen your position falls, your ego goes with it.
17 questions, which MacArthur kept in a wallet in the4. It can be done!
inside pocket of his uniform. These are the questions5. Be careful what you choose, you may get it.
he asked himself:6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good
1. Do I heckle my subordinates or strengthen anddecision.
encourage them?7. You can't make someone else's choices. You
2. Do I use moral courage in getting rid of subordinatesshouldn't let someone else make yours.
who have proved themselves beyond doubt to be8. Check small things.
unfit?9. Remain calm. Be kind.
3. Have I done all in my power by encouragement,10. Have a vision. Be demanding.
incentive and spur to salvage the weak and erring?11. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
4. Do I know by NAME and CHARACTER a12. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
maximum number of subordinates for whom I amThroughout history some of the most notable leaders
responsible? Do I know them intimately?have been leaders in battle. Taking soldiers into conflict,
5. Am I thoroughly familiar with the technique,particularly where outcomes are uncertain, is the
necessities, objectives and administration of the job?ultimate test of leadership. That's why the principles of
6. Do I lose my temper at individuals?the best wartime leaders are not only fascinating
7. Do I act in such a way as to make my individualsglimpses into their minds at their toughest times, but
want to follow me?valuable lessons for the rest of us.