Last week I shared a trusted perspective on how to define leadership. It focused on Colin Powell. This week I will share another aspect of leadership from a well-known and trusted leader, General Dwight Eisenhower. By adding his views we start to appreciate both the complexity and components that comprise leadership.
Who was General Dwight D. Eisenhower?
General Dwight D. Eisenhower was a great US Army General. According to Wikipedia, Eisenhower was an American Army general and statesman who served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. During World War II, he was a five-star general in the United States Army and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe. He was responsible for planning and supervising the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch in 1942–43 and the successful invasion of France and Germany in 1944–45 from the Western Front.
What did Eisenhower accomplish as a leader?
If you think Colin Powell’s resume is long, then you will be even more impressed with Eisenhower’s. He was highly successful in both the military and as a civilian. Below are five major accomplishments he achieved while in leadership positions. The list goes on, but you get the picture. “Ike” was one of the best leaders the US has ever seen. Perfect – no. Effective – yes.
- Eisenhower led the Allied Forces to victory in World War II. His Army defeated Hitler.
- He was one of only a few to ever earn five stars as a General in the US military.
- He served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. Ike reached the highest political office in the US.
- Eisenhower ended the Korean War. He leveraged US military might to achieve peace.
- Eisenhower championed the formation of the Interstate Highway System. A key element to major US economic expansion.
How did Dwight Eisenhower view leadership?
Like Colin Powell, General Eisenhower demonstrated a pragmatic view of leadership. Eisenhower was known for his somewhat quiet and understated leadership style. According to this Forbes article, Eisenhower had a paperweight prominently displayed on his desk in the Oval Office with a Latin inscription meaning “gently in manner, strong in deed.” Eisenhower shared many thoughts about leadership. The quote below from him is one of my favorites.
The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Eisenhower believed a leader’s behavior is critical
Many underestimated Eisenhower’s leadership abilities. During World War II he was surrounded by leaders who were much bolder and gregarious. Generals like Patton, MacArthur, and Montgomery seemed to seek the limelight while Eisenhower spent his time preparing for the next battle and visiting the troops. Once he commented on why he avoided the more abrasive leadership style of other Generals.
“You don’t lead by beating people over the head; that’s assault, not leadership.”
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Eisenhower’s leadership view is correct
All The Way Leadership! agrees with Eisenhower. Your integrity as a leader is hugely important. If you lack integrity your team will not follow you. It is that simple. How you behave as a leader also factors into your effectiveness. It is difficult for anyone to follow a leader who behaves poorly. Don’t be that kind of leader. Instead, lead with integrity.
ATW! is designed to make you a better leader
I hope you join me on this journey to raise up the next generation of leaders. The world is in desperate need of more great leaders. Women and men who lead with confidence, clarity, and creativity. It’s time to become the leader that your world needs. Let’s go All The Way!