DEAD HORSE LEADERSHIP
I’m a huge fan of history. I’m also a student of leadership. I love history because it can teach us so much about business and how to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. I learn all I can about leadership versus management. Why? Leadership is teaching and showing. Management is telling and watching.
One of my favorite historical mentors is George Washington. It was no accident that the Continental Congress selected Washington to guide the Colonial Army against the British. Washington was a very accomplished civic and military leader long before The Revolutionary War. His accomplishments included:
• Elected Surveyor of Culpepper County - 1749-1751
• Appointed Adjutant General of Virginia militia – 1752. (An adjutant general is the chief administrative officer of the militia. This made Washington a Major at the age of 20)
• Appointed Lieutenant and Colonel of Virginia Regiment - 1754
• Commander of Virginia Military - 1755-1758
• Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses - 1759-1774
• Justice of the Peace - Fairfax County, Virginia - 1760-1774
• Delegate to Continental Congress - 1774-1775
Washington was respected by almost all people with whom he came in contact. This is made clear from the terms “elected” and “appointed” used in the list above. Inspiring Respect is the first key principle of Dead Horse Leadership.
Washington’s personal motto was “Deeds, Not Words.” He didn’t talk about doing things. He made things happen. The following quotes bear this out:
"His personal bravery, and the desire he has of animating his troops by example, make him fearless of danger. This occasions us much uneasiness. But Heaven, which has hitherto been his shield, I hope will still continue to guard so valuable a life." - An anonymous soldier, 1777
"As I have heard since my arrival at this place [Fort Cumberland], a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you that I have not as yet composed the latter. But, by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot from under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!" -George Washington in a letter to his brother John A. Washington
Eighty years later a metal seal of Washington’s (it had his initials on it) was found on that battlefield. The seal had been knocked from his body by a bullet.
There is only one way these facts could have happened. Washington was out in front, under fire, leading his troops. Leading by example and from the front is the second key principle of Dead Horse Leadership.
George Washington was the first President of the United States and voluntarily left office after two terms. Many Americans at the time wanted to make Washington a king. However, Washington declined and made it clear he wanted a country based on the rule of law, not the rule of a king. Washington had an army at his disposal, as well as the will of the people for him to be king. Despite the temptation to take power, Washington thought of the people and not himself. Humility is the third key principle of Dead Horse Leadership.
George Washington had the respect of those he was elected to lead. He led by example and from in front and he did so humbly. Today’s business and political leaders would do well to adopt his commitment to Dead Horse Leadership.
I’ll close with a poem entitled “Sermons We See” by the poet Edgar Guest:
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.
Until next time…
Gene
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