Countdown to 250: A Holiday Surprise
“I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of an enterprise, which I had formed against a detachment of the enemy lying in Trenton—”
Letter from General George Washington to John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress
*This Countdown to 250 series will examine the powerful role that early American Revolutionary leaders played in the 18th century—and the impact they can have on 21st century leadership development. As the 250th (“semiquincentennial”) anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence draws closer, may all of us choose to positively impact those in our spheres of influence in revolutionary ways too.
Who would have expected that the rag-tag forces led by General George Washington could forge their way across an icy Delaware River on Christmas night? Certainly not the British, whose Hessian hired-henchmen held the town of Trenton a short distance from where the Continental Army had set up camp. And probably not the American soldiers themselves, for by December 1776 the Revolution “was floundering and nearing collapse. After a string of disasters, morale hit rock-bottom…” (you can read more about this pivotal Revolutionary battle at https://vintageletter.co/george-washingtons-after-the-battle-of-trenton/).
But George Washington was a leader who thought outside the box, and he wasn’t afraid of taking risks that could increase the probability of everyone’s success. Indeed, as he explained in another letter to John Hancock, attempting to take the enemy by surprise rather than retreating was necessary since “ Our situation was most critical and our force small. to remove immediately, was again destroying every dawn of hope…” (this letter in its entirety can be found at https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/our-situation-was-most-critical).
With the help of a spy embedded in Trenton, vital information reached American leadership, and, on the morning of December 26th, the army quickly retook the Jersey town—shocking enemy forces and sending a surge of hope just when those fighting for freedom needed it most. The scheme was not only revolutionary but also exemplary for all of us as we move into our own holiday season.
How so? By allowing us to examine how we might “revolutionize” our own leadership strategies and make a paradigm shift that could lead to greater personal and professional success. To help get this process started, spend a few minutes considering the following questions:
- How could a change in the way you deal with people positively impact interactions with them in the days, weeks, and months ahead?
- What conversations could you have with those in your various spheres of influence that might break down barriers and build bridges for future success?
- Are there ways you can inspire more freedom in the lives of those you lead? How about freedom of thought? Freedom to take action? Freedom to create? Freedom to reach their full potential?
- What ‘enemy’ are you battling—personally and professionally? Who can help you overcome that struggle, perhaps by offering new ideas or insight that can assist you in forging ahead in positive, productive ways?
The team at LEADon® encourages leaders to analyze their personal and professional lives in tandem because what we practice on the home front can’t help but carry over to the ‘battle front’ in our work lives. And we also urge those in leadership to make sure they have accountability for any changes they hope to make, so share your thoughts with a friend, peer, or mentor. This is particularly important for today’s leaders since there are an increasing number of forces that seem bent on “destroying every dawn of hope”—even within our Corporate Family®.
Oh, and one more question to consider:
5. What are you doing to celebrate the successes you and your team experience? Are there events planned where employees are recognized for their achievements? Are you and your leadership team striving to develop an esprit de corps unlike other organizations in your field?
Employing some of these strategies can be a pleasant surprise for everyone in your spheres of influence—and they may just improve your level of success and satisfaction too. If the LEADon team can be of assistance in this process, please feel free to contact us at www.LEADonUniversity.com. We’re here to help, no matter what season you find yourself in.
