Anyone who came into contact with George Marshall respected him. His sense of virtue was palpable. Throughout his long years in the military, often doing jobs he did not particularly want, he did his duty. His greatest disappointment was failing to obtain divisional command. He was a lifelong staff officer, who served the army and the nation well, and he was worthy of Harry Truman’s appellation: “the greatest living American.”
Leadership Communications Lessons
Communicate your conviction. People need to know where the leader stands. Marshall was clear and forthright on the need for the army to prepare for war, and he let Congress and the president know where he stood.
Overcome roadblocks. Leaders have to deal with opposition. During World War II, Senator Truman headed a commission to investigate fraud and waste in military spending. While Marshall would have preferred to concentrate on war issues, he understood the benefits of cooperation and won Truman to his side. The commission also saved the American taxpayers billions in unnecessary spending.
Be persistent. Achieving goals may take time. Marshall is the embodiment of persistence; it took him more than 30 years to become a general, and not until he was nearing retirement did he become chief of staff.
Be willing to make sacrifices. You may have to put aside your ambition in order to lead. Marshall wanted to lead troops, but his skills as a manager kept him in staff roles, and as a result he was the best officer for the job of mass mobilization prior to World War II.
Be sensitive to morale. Leaders need to create conditions in which people can do their jobs. Combat is not where soldiers want to be, but Marshall insisted that they be fed, equipped, and supported adequately. He also wanted them to have some touches of home; hence the establishment of the USO shows to entertain the troops at home and abroad.
Know your limits. A leader must know where he or she can do the most good. As a general, Marshall steered clear of political strategizing, believing that a soldier had no role in it. Later, as secretary of state, he proved to be an adroit statesman.
Be seen as the leader. Let people know that you are in command. Marshall not only led the army, he helped lead Congress as it wrestled with decisions on armament for a nation preparing for and waging war.
Live your message. For more than a half-century, Marshall put service to his nation first—as a soldier and a diplomat. His integrity and his honor were forthright and are stellar examples to us all.