This Proves How Wrong Leaders Can Be
Don’t be fooled.
Throughout history, every generation believes it understands how our world works. And yet we look back and realize that many conventional beliefs were wrong. Today I’d like to share a story that makes my skin crawl because it illustrates just how wrong our leaders can be, even when their own personal safety is at issue.
George Washington was President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. On December 12, 1799, he was back to private life and spent about four hours on horseback supervising farming activities. The weather went from rain to hail to snow, and Washington was wet when he returned home. By the next morning, he had a sore throat. 24 hours later, the throat infection was so severe that he was having trouble breathing.
This was when Washington asked George Rawlins, an overseer at Mount Vernon, to bleed him. Yes, bloodletting was still an accepted medical practice, and Rawlins took a half-pint of blood.
By nine in the morning, Washington’s longtime physician and family friend, Dr. James Creik, arrived. He “produced a blister on Washington’s throat in an attempt to balance the fluids in his body”. Then he bled Washington a second time.
At noon, they gave the former President an enema and bled him again. This time, they took 32 ounces of blood. Later, they deliberately induced vomiting.
On the evening of December 14, Washington passed away.
I’ve been squirming in my seat telling you this story, which is based on this account from the MountVernon.org website. In retrospect, what trained physicians did to Washington is tantamount to torture. In Washington’s judgment, these men were the best qualified to help him survive.
I do not wish to imply that Washington or his colleagues were stupid. To the contrary, in every generation, we do our best to understand the world in which we live. History teaches us that 20, 50 or 100 years later, much of the conventional wisdom of any generation will be proved wrong.
Much of our conventional wisdom is wrong.
Once you understand this, you understand that it often makes sense to challenge conventional wisdom. Just because most people agree with a strategy does not mean that strategy will work. Just because a leader is willing to lay his own life on the line does not mean he is right.
The trick, of course, is to be smarter – not dumber – than the conventional wisdom you seek to replace. I can’t tell you how to do this, but I suspect that listening carefully to dissenting opinions is always a wise thing to do. Martha Washington voiced her concerns about bloodletting; if doctors and her husband had listened, George Washington might have lived longer.
Bruce Kasanoff is a ghostwriter for business professionals (that means people like you). Learn more at Kasanoff.com. He is the author of How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk.
This story originally appeared on Forbes.
Consultant Research & Development Security -Logistics - Marketing
9 年Your right on target Bruce .As a consultant and student of history I have been aware of this for many years .
Career Coach & HR Consultant | Specialist in Outplacement, International Mobility & Multicultural Talent Management | Training & HR Consulting ????????????
9 年I read your post just before falling asleep. Being a history fan and after my crazy dream being in Washington's place, I realized this morning that when we are most desperate or vulnerable, we automatically, unconditionally trust this conventional wisdom. However, I just may listen to my grandfather's advice and do question more....instead of the meds go for the whisky & a clove of garlic! Cheers & thanks for sharing.
Product & Strategy(Digital Transformation & e-commerce) | CFA(Level1)
9 年Very succinctly explained that your inner voice can do wonders if you let if speak. Couldn't agree more with you that listening and not just hearing can be a solution to many of our day to day activities.
Facilities Engineer at Our Lady of Peace
9 年(Next Morning) Reese: "Larkin.....we're open on both ends." Sgt. Larkin: "Yeah...I know....Regiment ordered all of Baker Company out last night......except us." Reese: "Who's left to hold this area?" (Sgt. Pike walks up): "Including us.....3d squad about 100 yds. to the left....and 1st squad equal distance to the right.....we'll have to spread 2nd Squad out to try and give the impression that we are stronger than we appear." Sgt. Larkin: "You mean we're supposed to hold a 300 yd. long section with only 10 men." Pike: "Yeah....that's about it." Pvt. Corby: "Suppose they send a patrol over here tonight, Sarge?" Pike: "We'll be putting out a patrol of our own....the idea is to make them think we have a whole Company to defend this stretch." Pvt. Kolinsky: "That's just great......suppose they send a whole combat platoon...what chance have we got against that?" Cpl. Henshaw: "He's right, Sarge......once they find out how thin we are, even if we fight off a platoon, they'll send a whole Company against us....what then.....I'll tell you what....we're dead." Reese: "They won't send anybody up here if we keep 'em too busy." Sgt. Larkin: "What are you talking about?" Reese: "The pillbox....I think we should hit it.....tonight, Larkin." Pike: "Forget it.....the approach to that pillbox is covered with mines....even if we were lucky enough to get through the minefield it would take 10 guys to try and take it out with demolitions.....the answer is no.....our orders are to stay put and hold this ridge until Captain Loomis returns." Reese: "Pike....if we surprise them it won't matter what any patrol says...if they mount one.......we hit that box they'll draw in and wait." Pike: "The answer is still no.....and I don't want to hear about anymore." Reese: "If we stay here....we're gonna get plowed under.....is that what you want?"
Facilities Engineer at Our Lady of Peace
9 年Captain Loomis: "Pike....we've had a change in orders....we have to move 3 miles north to help Regiment bolster the line up there..... Intelligence reports they can expect a German push up there any time." Sgt. Pike: "You mean we're gonna leave this part of the line undefended?" Loomis: "Not entirely.....I'm leaving you and 3rd Platoon behind to hold it.....myself and the rest of the Company should be back within 48 hrs. at the latest." Pike: "But, Sir....what you're asking is for me and 36 men to defend a stretch of line intended for an entire company to hold." Loomis: "I know, Pike.....I don't like it either but, it's orders. I'm also leaving behind half of 1st Platoon's weapons squad to help.....that will give you 2 .30 caliber machine guns and a 60 mm. mortar......you'd better head on up there and spread your men as effectively as you can....try to position your mortar team to cover the most likely approach the Germans may take and make sure those machine guns are well dug in to give you the best possible enfilading fire." Pike: Yes, Sir.....but, you realize if they probe us in force and find a weak spot.....they'll send up reinforcements." Loomis: "That's just a chance we'll have to take.....we're moving the balance of the company once it gets dark.....so hopefully the move will be covered and they won't suspicion anything....better get ready, Pike." Pike: Yes, Sir......I'm taking Reese along from 2nd Squad.....he's a damn good man especially when the odds are long.....and they certainly look that way to me." Loomis: "Fine...but, keep an eye on him....I don't like what I've learned after reading his transfer orders."