Even a superficial review of our nation’s history, however, will show that we’ve encountered plenty of tough times. For developing leaders – often eager to move forward quickly – it’s important to slow down and study our history to avoid committing the sins of the past.
For example, my organization, the Partnership for Public Service, examined the lessons learned from the Battle of Antietam as a part of our Excellence in Government Fellows program.
Now even your most difficult day at work cannot compare to what’s considered the bloodiest single day in American history. About this time of year, nearly 150 years ago, some 4,000 Americans lost their lives and another 18,000 were wounded in Sharpsburg, Maryland.
Now we may not have to worry about cannons and muskets as much as we worry about emails and stock markets, but many of the lessons still apply.
Especially in times of crisis, put your people first. Robert E. Lee, leading his army of Northern Virginia, assumed that his forces would be motivated to invade Maryland and that as many as 20,000 sympathetic Marylanders would join the cause. He was wrong. Many of Lee’s troops refused to invade. Previously, they were defending their states, not attacking others. Only about 200 Marylanders joined his side of the fight. As developing leaders, you need to be as concerned about others’ goals as much as your own. Take the time to understand how you might help your direct reports, peers and your supervisor, and you’re all more likely to enjoy success.
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