When the stakes are high, great leaders can rally people to a cause with just a few words. On October 29, 1941 Winston Churchill spoke to the boys at Harrow School. "Never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
When the stakes are high, great leaders can rally people to a cause with just a few words.
On October 29, 1941 Winston Churchill spoke to the boys at Harrow School. "Never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." (The Complete Speeches of Winston S. Churchill, edited by Robert Rhodes James NY:Bowker and London:Chelsea House 1974).
When General Anthony McAuliffe received the German ultimatum to surrender during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, he replied "Nuts!" This one word response inspired the 101st Airborne Division troops defending Bastogne, Belgium to hang on during one of the most difficult battles of the war.
We've all been inspired at some point in our lives to go above and beyond. To really push to get something done. Most often, its because someone asked or inspired us to do so. Great leaders can do that. It may have been just a glance, or a few words, or a moment in time where they stood above the rest, but they brought out your best. And you loved it.
Some thoughts on calling to the best in others.
- Set the example
- Have a worthy goal
- Give them the best tools you can
- Don't micromanage
- Praise them for the victory!