We can learn a lot about being a great leader through the actions of our 16th president.
In January 1863, about twenty-one months after hostilities began during the American Civil War, Major General Ulysses S. Grant was given command of the Union Army of the West and ordered to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Six months later, on July 4, 1863, Lieutenant General John Pemberton's Confederate Army of Mississippi surrendered Vicksburg, the last major Confederate stronghold, to General Grant.
The capture of Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and effectively split the Confederacy in two.
Grant then turned his attention to other Confederate positions and the war became one of attrition. The defeat at Vicksburg, coupled with General Robert E. Lee's loss at Gettysburg the previous day, was momentous because it signaled the beginning of the end for the Confederate States of America.
In an interesting twist to this event, President Lincoln had thought at the outset that Grant's campaign was a mistake.
However, despite his initial uneasiness with General Grant's strategy, the president capitulated and allowed his general to proceed. The Commander in Chief stepped out of the way and gave his general, his expert, the freedom to proceed without interference.
A few weeks after the capture of Vicksburg, the president sent Grant a personal letter, which was remarkable, especially if we were to measure it by the conduct of today's political and corporate leaders. In his letter, Lincoln showed true humility as he admitted both his initial lack of faith in the general's plan and deference to Grant's abilities.
I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done the country. I wish to say a word further. When you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg...I never had any faith, except a general hope that you knew better than I that the expedition could succeed....I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right, and I was wrong.
This letter served three distinct purposes and its message, along with the doubtful sentiment that preceded it, provides an example for leaders today.
First, Lincoln was grateful and expressed his appreciation for General Grant's actions, praising the general for his "inestimable service...to the country."
Second, Lincoln's humble admission--"I never had any faith, except a general hope that you knew better than I" and "you were right, and I was wrong"--let?Grant know that his Commander in Chief recognized that the general was the expert.
Finally, Lincoln's expression of faith in Grant's expertise let the general know that the president trusted him and would support him as he continued to employ his aggressive style of warfare. As further testimony of Lincoln's faith in Grant, he appointed General Grant as the commander of all the armies of the United States for the remainder of the war.
Do you want to be a great leader?
Be GRATEFUL: Express your appreciation for and to the ones you lead. Gratefully acknowledge their service, both publicly and privately.
Be HUMBLE: If you are wrong, admit it. Don't take credit for the work of your subordinates. Recognize your followers' expertise.
Be TRUSTFUL: Take the reins off and just give your people the freedom to do what you have assigned them to do. Clearly articulate the outcomes you desire and support their efforts. If you cannot trust them, then you as the leader have failed by choosing the wrong person to do the job.
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