Why understanding failure and being prepared for challenges and obstacles makes successful leaders
In late May of 1944, Allied troops were amassed in southern England awaiting orders for deployment. This was no ordinary mission that these men were about to embark on; it was a mission intended to save the world from tyranny. With Dwight D. Eisenhower at the helm facing uncertain weather, disagreements in strategy, and other related timing dilemmas, the Allied forces pulled off the most remarkable and extraordinary invasion in military history.Seventy-one years ago, the world held its breath and daily routines were frozen in time as our dedicated military began the invasion of Europe as D-day began. For me, it is tough to imagine what these men were facing on that dreary morning; but I am sure they were prepared and determined to execute their mission. This was a day of both fear and hope that would result in securing human freedom or erase it forever. Ultimately, if successful, the Allies would have a position in Europe and could march to Berlin. However, if the mission failed the Germans would have secured the western front and could shift their focus to dealing with the Russians.
It is often easy to depict both generals and business leaders as people who live by the rule that failure is never an option. However, a smart leader knows that in every situation involving risk and chartering new territory has the possibility of failure. Ignoring this concept can have devastating consequences that can lead to defeat. Strong leaders respect failure as a path to innovation. These same leaders do not fear failure regardless how wildly ambitious, and sometimes unbelievable, the goal may sound.
In the case of D-Day, Eisenhower was prepared enough for failure that he scribed a letter the night before to explain what happened if the invasion ended unfavorably. He wrote:
"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."
Reading this today, it becomes obvious that Eisenhower was nervous that amid all the preparation, training and timing, his plan might not have worked. This was not fear of failure; this was understandable anxiety as he sent thousands of troops off to face death.
The big take away from this is that Eisenhower knew that failure was an option, and even the more likely outcome, but he pushed forward and accepted full responsibility for the outcome. In that brief statement, he did not take the easy way out and blame the weather, the men carrying out his orders, or the fact that coordination between the American and British forces was lacking considerably. Instead he allowed any blame that could be cast to be placed on his shoulders.
Today’s business leaders should be mindful and learn from Eisenhower. It is easy to blame your employees, your customers, and even social media when failure occurs. Instead of trying to hide mistakes and blame everyone else, accept responsibility and learn from each mistake or failure. Do not use failure as an escape plan, use it as a springboard for future success.
Accepting failure is part of life and often part of success provides you with a unique advantage to be prepared. Fearing failure will do nothing more than hold you back and prevent you from taking needed risks. If you need a little inspiration check out these five entrepreneurs who hit rock bottom and came back even stronger.
Following the initial successes of D-Day, the Allied forces faced even more challenging obstacles as they found themselves trapped in the hedgerows of France. The reality quickly set in that coordinating the enormous amount of men and equipment involved would require better lines of communication; in turn creating a temporary stand-still. Unfortunately, this opened the door for the Germans to order a series of counteroffensives- the German blitzkrieg.
The German blitzkrieg was one of the most intimidating and shocking developments in modern warfare. The blitzkrieg strategy was designed to force the Allied Forces to collapse and break apart under overwhelming power. It almost worked until Eisenhower refused to let this obstacle to continue to prey upon vulnerabilities of the Allied forces. He regarded the blitzkrieg as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. With a little ingenuity, Eisenhower found a tactical solution that had been present but overlooked up until this point- the German blitzkrieg carried its own destruction.
The Allies were able see the opportunity inside the obstacle rather than allowing the obstacle to hold them back. All they needed to do was not break.
Reflecting on Eisenhower's decision clearly shows the role that perceptions play in the success or failures of those in opposition.
For business owners, it’s one thing to not be overwhelmed by obstacles, but you must take a step back and look at every situation objectively. Try and change your mind-set and look, like Eisenhower did, inside the obstacle for an opportunity that works for your situation. It may be easier to look at the pending disaster and assume you are at a disadvantage, but every situation holds an opportunity to act.
Failure, obstacles, and challenges are realities in life that are faced by all of us. It is how we react to them that define the type of leader we will be. Understanding failure and standing up to obstacles and challenges provide us with the resources to win the battle.
Next time, we will look at Leadership Lessons from the Front Line.