It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
Erwin RommelRead
Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.
Interpretation
Lead by example and show dedication both professionally and personally.
This quote emphasizes the importance of leadership through example, suggesting that leaders should demonstrate commitment and resilience in both their professional duties and personal lives. Rommel highlights the need for tactfulness and good manners, indicating that a true leader inspires their subordinates by embodying the qualities they wish to see, rather than by imposing harshness or criticism that may stem from their own insecurities.
In practice
In a corporate seminar to emphasize ethical leadership.
It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
One must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.
The commander must be at constant pains to keep his troops abreast of all the latest tactical experience and developments, and must insist on their practical application. He must see to it that his subordinates are trained in accordance with the latest requirements. The best form of welfare for the troops is first-class training, for this saves unnecessary casualties.
War makes extremely heavy demands on the soldier's strength and nerves. For this reason, make heavy demands on your men in peacetime exercises.
Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.
Training errors are recorded on paper. Tactical errors are etched in stone.
Our true remembrance to President Kennedy is in our actions to honor the unspoken words and finish the unfinished work today and tomorrow and for as long as it takes.
All persons possessing any portion of power ought to be strongly and awfully impressed with an idea that they act in trust, and that they are to account for their conduct in that trust to the one great Master, Author, and Founder of society.
The one thing that I know is that you win with good people.
The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders...tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.
It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men.
...the best leaders are servant leaders - they serve those they lead.
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