Over the years I’ve learned many leadership and personal lessons from people I’ve never even met. Through the reading and study of history it is possible to gather insights and wisdom on decisions you are facing in your everyday life. I’ve learned things from past Presidents such as Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, George Washington and Abe Lincoln, even though they lived in a time much different from my own.
It’s not just political leaders, but others as well. I’ve learned from people like Thomas Watson (IBM), Jack Welch (GE) and Andy Grove (Intel) about business and management even though I’m in a totally different field of endeavor than they excelled in.
All of these people have done the following: Learned from pressure situations, overcome difficulty, had to make tough decisions that affected others, had to create a vision and a better future, and had to square their actions with their moral compass. None has been more inspirational to me personally than Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II.
Here are three lessons I learned from Winston that I hope will encourage you in your leadership, management and personal life.
1. Be yourself. Even though I’m a student of history, I’ve never known of a more peculiar person to rise to the position of leadership of a major country than Winston Churchill. And that’s saying something because generally speaking larger than life political leaders are all different than your typical person. Even still Winston stood alone. Known for odd work hours and a taste for the finer things in life, he created a unique environment aroud him that helped him that helped to stoke his greatness and particular gifts. He was known to work late into the night, often until 2 or 3 in the morning and then sleep in until late in the day. At which point he would dictate to a group of secretaries from his bed. On occassion he would even dictate to them from the bathtub. Strange. Nevertheless, He was himself. By focusing on his unique talents and honing his strange work habits he was able to achieve more than most. In deed, he managed to lead the western world, write a multi-volume history of the war and acheive politcal victories. Too often people are trying to fit someone else’s mold. Don’t do it. You are created unique, with special gifts, talents and abilities. Focus on those things you do well and love doing.
2. Be Persistent. Winston stood virtually alone against Nazi Germany for many years while the rest of the world was distracted by other issues. Continually he set a determined message before his country and the world, “Nazi Germany is a threat”. It wasn’t until the Nazi’s were on the march across Europe that he was proven right. Then he was catapulted from political failure to Prime Minister in short order. How easily most of us are thrown off of our values and ideas. The slightest challenge or discouragement and we abandon projects and ideas that we are excited about. Be persistent in your dreams and in the courage of your convictions. Don’t let someone else steal the excitement and fun of your vision.
3. Belief in Destiny. Winston Churchill believed he was destined for great things. He believed it all of his life, even when he was unpopular and out of step with the rest of the world. In the end, he was proven right. The truth is, God has a plan and a destiny for every single person. Yet many believe that their life is meaningless and pointless. Nonsense! I’ve never met any person who didn’t have gifts and talents within them that were unique and special. Even at the Mission, where people are often discouraged and hopeless, there is unbounding talent and skill. It’s just there to be used. Don’t stop believing God has a plan for you.
DC
