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Gettysburg, 1863

When Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine arrived at Little Round Top in July 1863, they were told, “This is the end of the Union line. Hold it at all costs.” They were preparing to hold back the Confederate forces from overwhelming the Union line.

Anyone who knows about the Battle of Gettysburg knows it was some of the most intense fighting ever seen on American soil. Little Round Top was no different, and Chamberlain and his men quickly found themselves out of ammunition while trying to hold back the charging Confederate forces.

Chamberlain yelled, ‘Bayonets!’ and with the support of his subordinate officers, they raced down toward the attacking Confederate soldiers. Their men followed their lead, mounted bayonets, and charged down the hill toward the enemy. The Union was held by Chamberlain and his men.

The Union side ultimately won the Battle of Gettysburg after three days of fighting.

This is clearly a great lesson in decisive action, but more so, it’s a lesson in emotions and how leaders can use emotion to their advantage.

Chamberlain modeled the courage he wanted to see in his men, running headfirst into danger to hold the line and keep the Union hopes alive.

The Lesson

Emotions are contagious, especially the emotions of a leader. Momentum, motivation, and morale all rise and fall based on the emotional tone a leader sets.

Chamberlain chose to fix bayonets and charge the enemy. A decision that meant running toward gunfire. His men followed him because his courage permeated through the ranks. They trusted their leader and knew his decisions were the right ones.

Emotions are a powerful tool leaders can rely on to rally their team toward a difficult objective.

A Simple Question

Until next time,

Rick

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