A Leadership Divide – Courage vs Loyalty

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the gems of Germany. It is one of Europe’s classic mid-evil towns dating back to 950 AD.  As we toured it, I became fascinated by its history, its beauty, its peacefulness, and its color.

 However, what most interested me is how in the heck it could have avoided bombing during World War II. Most places we visited had to rebuilt post war. So, I could not understand how it remained unscathed.

 On our last night there, we were provided a tour by the town’s “Night Watchman.” He told us how the town was spared. 

Frankly, I found the story I bit suspect, so I did a bit of research and found a book entitled, “Flat Army: Creating a Connected and Engaged Organization” by von Dan Pontefract. The author confirmed what we learned on the tour. Here is a bullet pointed summary:

• In March 1945, allied troops were closing in on ending WWII.
• Hitler had strict orders to all German military. These orders were to fight to the end.
• The allied troops had the same order….destroy everything in sight….no matter the historical significance.
• Rothenburg ob de Tauber was the next town the allies were approaching.
• Assistant Secretary John McCloy was the highest ranking American officer.
• Major Thommes was the highest commanding German officer
• The two never met.
• As the allies prepared to destroy the town, McCloy knew the significance of the town. His mother visited Rothenburg ob der Tauber 30 years before, purchased a painting of the town and hanged it in the family home. McCloy was raised with this town hanging on the living room wall.
• So, John McCloy made an offer to Major Thommes. He asked if they could deviate from their orders and instead of destroying the town (allies) or fighting to the bitter end (Germany), can they agree to save the town?
• Instead of the allies and the Germans proceeding as ordered, they chose to go with their gut. They agreed to allow the allies to take ownership of the town without any violence. As a result, Major Thommes took his German troops and retreated.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber was saved. The war ended a few months later and neither leader suffered any consequences.

 So, what does it all mean from a leadership point of view?

• I have always considered there to be a “Great Divide” between “loyalty” and “courage.” In this example, if they were “loyal,” they would have fought to the bitter end. In this fight, lives would have been lost and a town would have been destroyed.  Instead, they chose courage. 
• So to put this in a leadership world, have you ever asked yourself if you are being loyal to be loyal or do you have the courage to say what is on your mind?
• To be clear, leaders should want folks to have courage….as long as the courage still fits in the organizational mission.  

LEAD ON!

by Chris Boleman