21st Century Leadership Advice from the Mid 20th Century

I have been reading David Halberstam’s latest (and sadly, last) book, The Coldest Winter.  It is an absolutely fascinating account of the political and military issues surrounding the US involvement in the Korean War.

Last night, I read a passage that I want to share it.  When President Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his command in Korea, he appointed General Matt Ridgway to replace him.  Mr. Halberstam makes the following point about General Ridgway’s leadership style.

• “Ridgway’s concept of leadership was better suited for a more egalitarian era.  He tended not to impose his will on his men, but to allow the men under him to find something within themselves that would make them more confident, more purposeful fighting men.  It was their confidence in themselves that would make them fight well, he believed, not so much their belief in him.  His job was to teach them to find that quality in themselves.”

This passage was written about events that occurred in December 1950; 57 years ago.  If anything, this is a more “egalitarian era” than then.  Matt Ridgway’s ideas about leadership ring true today. 

In my forthcoming book, Straight Talk for Success: Common Sense Ideas That Won’t Let You Down, I argue that career and life success begins with self confidence – and this was before I read what Mr. Halberstam had to say about General Ridgway.  I believe that self confidence and a sense of purpose are key to success in any venture.  It was interesting for me to see that, like much of my common sense advice, I am echoing something from the past in my book on career and life success.

The common sense point here is simple.  Whether you are a leader in a large company, or a small business owner, find ways to help the people who work for you to become self confident and purposeful, and you’ll build a strong organization.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.  Check out my other blog: www.SuccessCommonSense.com for common sense advice on becoming the career and life success you are meant to be and to get a copy of my new ebook Star Power: Common Sense Ideas for Career and Life Success.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open.  Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.

Comments

[Nettie Hartsock]

HI Bud,

I love all of Halberstam's books and was so sad when he died last year.

I also think what you say in terms of finding ways to help people who work for you become self-confident and purposeful is right on the mark.

[Bud Bilanich]

Thanks for your kind words, Nettie.
David Halberstam's untimely passing was truly a loss for those of us who enjoyed his wonderful writing.
I visited your blog and subscribed. Keep up the excellent writing.
Bud Bilanich

[Ina Matijevic]

Dear Bud,
this is the point where I can distinguish leader from great leader!

'' His job was to teach them to find that quality in themselves.”

Thank You for this inspiring post!