I am often asked by Kellogg students and executives for examples of values-based leadership. Current examples seem hard to find nowadays, given the intense political infighting, name-calling, and extreme polarization in today’s world, and I frequently find myself calling on historical examples for inspiration.
One phenomenal example of values-based leadership was celebrated two weeks ago: the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. That was the day near the end of World War II that the Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. Many of us have read about the incredible effort that went into preparing for the invasion. Julie and I had the opportunity to visit Normandy several years ago. It remains one of the trips I will never forget.
The 80th anniversary of D-Day was clearly a time for self-reflection, prayer, and gratitude for the thousands of men who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. It was hard not to get emotional as I listened to interviews of several of the veterans – most in their late 90s now — describing what that day was like. When an interviewer told one of the veterans that he was a true hero, he responded that the true heroes were the ones buried on the hill overlooking the Normandy beaches; talk about selfless leadership.
One of my good friends, Jon Skinner, sent me a link to several letters that Dwight Eisenhower wrote before the launch of D-Day. General Eisenhower was the Commander of the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force, and in command of the invasion. I was personally impacted by the unique combination of Eisenhower’s management, motivation, self-confidence, genuine humility, and personal ownership that he exhibited if the mission failed.
I read each of these letters several times, and I think you will find them both interesting. The first letter is “General Eisenhower’s Order of the Day.” This letter was given to all the 175,000-member Allied troops as they boarded their vessels for the invasion. The combination of motivation, hope, and an explanation of the importance of what each person was doing to preserve our democracy is awe-inspiring.
General Eisenhower’s Order of the Day
June 1944
Supreme Headquarters
Allied Expeditionary Force
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
I found the second letter, “Eisenhower’s ‘In Case of Failure,’” equally impressive. Eisenhower makes it very clear that he accepts full responsibility if the invasion should fail. When is the last time you heard someone in a leadership position say “if any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone?” Note that in the image of the letter above the date is scribbled as July 5 instead of June 5 — an error that is perhaps a sign that like all of us even Eisenhower suffered a bout of nerves!
Eisenhower’s “In Case of Failure” Message
June 5, 1944
Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold, and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air, and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.
Eisenhower’s words in this brief letter sum up for me what it really means to be a values-based leader. Given the significant number of issues we are currently facing in the United States and around the world, let’s pray that our leaders will step up to the challenge and demonstrate what it means to be a values-based leader.
Header photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash
Check out “The Light of Battle,” a new release focused on how Eisenhower brilliantly managed the innumerable other leaders (FDR, Marshall, Churchill, misc. generals) who wanted to be involved in/calling the shots on the Normandy invasion . Good book that occasionally strays into things like what it was like growing up in Kansas with a cold, evangelical father.
Harry, appreciate your time and effort put into this article, My dad was in world war 1 Army/Air Corps and my brother and I served in the Army and Air Force respectively. During high school I worked for a fellow (Heating and Air Conditioning ) in 1956/58 that was in world war 2 and told me of several of his combat stories in Europe. God bless you and your family.