We talk about MOT (moments of truth) a lot in BTL. One of George Washington’s most powerful MOT’s was actually a MOW (moment of weakness). Let me briefly explain.
March 10, 1783.
George learns his army is on the verge of mutiny. Continental Congress has fallen behind on paying their army. George is doing his best to remedy. “Checks in the mail” wasn’t cutting it.
So, on March 15, 1783, George showed up to address his mutinous, leadership team. Prepared an epic speech. You can read the high points on pages 382 – 385 of the book The real George Washington, by The National Center for Constitutional Studies. Here’s the bottom line. After concluding his prepared remarks, he had not moved the needle. Could sense the room swayed against him. The moment could not end like this.
So, he met it.
Pulled a note from Joseph Jones, Congressman from Virginia. The dude was sympathetic to the armies plight and George thought reading his heartfelt note might regulate the room.
He had no idea.
Opened the letter. Could not read it. His eyes needed assistance. Fumbling in his coat pocket, he grabbed his new spectacles which only his closest aides had seen him wear. Struggling to put them on he looked at his team and said simply, “Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown gray in your service and now find myself growing blind.”
Strong men wept. George was human! Shocked his team. He sensed the moment. Left the room. Officers voted. Not one voted nay. Only one abstained. George’s weakness changed his teams perspective. Instead of sticking it to the MAN, they chose to stick with George, THE HUman.
Artificial intelligence will never replace your emotional intelligence, leader.
Leadership lessons abound. We all want to be led by THE HUman, not The MAN. Truth takes few words. Vulnerability is the superpower of the strong, not the weak. Be prepared. Read the room. Be who you are. Earn the right. George’s words carried weight because he had been with his men for eight years. Serving them. First one into battle. Last one off when ordering a retreat. He fought courageously for his country. Loved his men. Simple, not easy.
For those reading this as fellow Americans, remember, this is your heritage. Our Founders fought for freedoms we now enjoy. Do not take ’em for granted. As Franklin would say, we’ve been given the gift of this republic. Now, it’s up to us to see if we can keep it.
Sister Sue, Cammy, Miss, and I just watched the movie Young Washington. It was historically accurate and very inspiring. Go see it. Take your teams. Do something productive. Unite us. Do not allow others to divide. E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. God bless America. God bless all of you. God, help me model the way, embrace pain and suffering, and embody truth in Love. God, help me. Damn.
Live hard. Love ❤️ harder…
BUILT TO LEAD 