Style and Substance

September 9, 2024

Dear Leaders,

One size doesn’t fit all.? As not everyone was built for every job, not everyone who leads does so in the same way, for no two are the same style and capability.? Leaders who apply their talents, skills, knowledge, and wisdom in the right job and the right way while knowing their limitations will know success.? ??

I live in Southern California where automobiles are not only prevalent and preferred, they are a form of personal expression. ?Sitting at a stop light, I noticed in front of me a Ferrari and an Audi R8.? One was a symbol of finesse and design elegance, the other a tribute to meticulous engineering.? Alongside of them in the open lane came a Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger, both paying homage to the American perspective of power and strength, hence the term muscle car.

Each of these vehicles is built for speed, but they achieve it in diverse ways.? The streamlining and clean lines of the Ferrari are complimented by the whine of 12 cylinders working in rapid unison.? The styling and mechanical details of the Audi are a sight and experience to behold, living up to the commercial that likened it to something that would give you the same thrill of being launched into space.? The Dodges have no such illusions, with angular lines and hulking appearance, and engines that rumble and reverberate loud enough to be heard in Italy and Germany, they personify brute force over finesse.?

Each of these was built with the same goal in mind but achieves it in different ways.? Even the Dodges, being brother vehicles, still have their differences directed toward the same goal, and so it is in leadership.? The most inherent qualities that direct men and women to leading people and missions require refinement in styling and engineering that, when applied correctly, achieves results.

One of the greatest leadership contrasts in history was that of Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton, Jr.? Both graduates of the United States Military Academy, they followed both similar and different paths to the apex of their military careers.? Both men were involved with the nascent tanks in World War I, but only Patton saw combat.? They each weathered the lean times of the interwar period, during which they were known for innovation and ingenuity, and each having encounters good and bad with General Douglas MacArthur, a study in leadership contrasts unto himself.?

As the USA began to prepare for World War II, each became known for their true callings:? Eisenhower being a leader with great planning and administration capability, and Patton as a field commander.? Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall recognized their talents and assigned Eisenhower to overall command with Patton leading the soldiers, and it was here that their paths diverged.? Eisenhower was also skilled at working with people and their personalities to get things done.? Patton did everything in life the way he did on the battlefield:? seize the objective, accomplish the mission, and do so in self-aggrandizing style, uncaring about the feelings of others.? His acerbic and blunt manner often landed him in hot water and drew the ire not only of Eisenhower as his senior commander, but also the political leadership.? Eisenhower knew that he needed Patton for the upcoming invasion of Europe, and ensured he was publicly contrite.

When the war ended, Eisenhower understood the gravity and sensitivity of what was needed to preserve peace, yet Patton sought only further battle and in quarreling with Eisenhower while antagonizing many others, he was relieved and died a brief time later in an auto accident.? Eisenhower went on to higher positions, eventually becoming a two-term US president.?

Each man had his talents and foibles, and in comparing and contrasting their leadership styles, we realize that had they been in each other’s positions, they would have both failed spectacularly.? Eisenhower’s lack of field command experience would not have served him in the same manner as Patton’s instinct and willingness to take a risk.? Conversely, Patton’s obstinate recalcitrance would not placate the personalities of Marshall, Roosevelt, and Churchill, and he would have been replaced in short order.

Leaders need to take assessment of themselves to know when they are fit for a position and when it is best left to someone else.? Likewise, in developing their subordinate leaders and training their people, leaders should identify talents and limitations alike for the benefit of the unit and mission, and their personal development.?

As the light turned green, the Ferrari and the Audi moved with purpose but not excess.? The Dodges again saw life differently, impetuously blasting away with squealing tires and roaring engines, quickly disappearing from sight while still being heard.? Leadership is always on display and applying it in the manner for which it is designed and built makes the strongest impression.? ?

Sincerely,

Tim