Connecting to the “Why” | Daily Kaizen

Connecting to the “Why” | Daily Kaizen

I am reading a great book right now about the Revolutionary War. In the book it discusses the different approaches taken by the American and British generals in the southern campaign. The British had almost every advantage in terms of resources, military training, etc. Yet, the Americans ended up winning the field and as a result the war. Why? The book argues that one of the most important reasons was the untraditional approach the generals took to leadership. Unlike the British leadership who refused to share their strategy and tactics with lower level ranks the Americans focused on teaching every solider the battle plan for the day. It was mandated by General Greene who allowed even the privates to push back on tactics (something unheard in the military of the day). As a result, every American solider knew the reason “why” they were being asked to do something.