With the renewed interest in all things related to World War II, it seemed an opportune time to share some of the gems spoken and written by the great battlefield leader General George S. Patton, Jr. One of the most controversial military leaders of the war, Patton was a great orator (in spite of his shrill voice) and a prolific writer. His favorite topic, other than military history, was leadership. Patton's words on leadership can provide us some insights and guidance today, in a world where "great" leaders seem to take the safe and politically correct path.
"Do not take counsel of your fears."
"Lack of orders is no excuse for inaction."
"There is only one kind of discipline. Perfect discipline."
"New tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."
"There is a great deal of talk about loyalty from the bottom to the top. Loyalty from the top down is even more necessary and much less prevalent."
"When a decision has to be made, make it. There is no totally right time for anything."
"The more senior the officer, the more time he has. Therefore, the senior should go forward to visit the junior rather than call the junior back to see him."
"No one is thinking if everyone is thinking alike."
Although George Patton was talking about war, the points that he made about leadership are applicable today in business, the nonprofit sector and government.
Credit to PATTON ON LEADERSHIP by Alan Axelrod, a "Business Week" bestseller.
George F. Franks, III is the President of Franks Consulting Group, a Bethesda, Maryland management consulting and leadership coaching practice. Franks Consulting Group is on the web at:
http://franksconsultinggroup.com
George Franks can be contacted by e-mail at:
gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com
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