1776
By David McCullough
1776 follows the challenges of the colonial leaders of early American independence over one of the most pivotal periods in our country’s history. Yes, we all know how the story ends, but there’s more to this book besides a lesson on history. What most citizens now view as a clear-cut, rebellion to break from England and a military victory was neither for the founding fathers and early citizens of the United States. I chose this book because it starts at the very beginning of how our country would be led in years to come and takes you through the shaping of our country.
Present in nearly every important meeting, carrying decision, conflict and the new nation on his shoulders is a man known as George Washington. Compared to people in today’s society he seems more of a mythological person than he does an actual human being. Focusing primarily on the military combat of that year, with George Washington as the Commander-in-Chief. Washington worked through internal politics, managed adversity, motivated his team, fought against an enemy that was clearly far more advanced tacitly and equipped than his own army, handled defeats and maneuvered when advantages arose, can give numerous examples to learn good leadership.
One good trait for leaders to have in today’s world is the ability to see things how they are not how you wish them to be. Washington was especially good at this. Being able to do so help make him very successful during the war. Leaders need to be able to react to the facts and reality, not letting emotion or opinion influence their decision making. Whether it’s over-estimating your projected sales or under-estimating your enemy/ competitor, as humans we’re tempted to make important decisions based on how we wish things to be. The results are often not what we hoped for resulting in less than good consequences. After Washington takes over Boston causing the unprepared British to retreat back to their ships, American ego and spirit couldn’t have been any higher. However the British return with a Navy that causes the Americans to retreat with jaws wide open.
Leaders also have to be able to keep their followers motivated and believeing in what is being asked of them. This in turn means if the leader doesn’t seem like he’s putting 110% into the task at hand, your crew won’t put in the effort either. After the battle of Trenton, most of the men were ready to leave because their enlistments were up. Washington urgently tried to appeal to men and stay with him in this noble cause. Hesitantly at first, but then almost completely, the soldiers stepped forward because of their trust in and regard for Washington.
If a leader is ever unsure of his decision or what he or she is fighting for then the followers will lose hope and become unmotivated to fight. He also needs to be alert at all times and be responsible for the decisions made. Washington didn’t know a whole lot about war strategy nor did Howe or Knox. However when he made a mistake such as taking Boston only to retreat farther south, he knew he had messed up but acknowledged it, then found a way to even his odds again. When the younger, newer officers made a mistake he would be patient and knew it was simply because they didn’t have the experience an older officer did. If you get hot-headed after every mistake an officer made when they had no background