Can Do Culture - Assignment #1

[John Uliano]

I considered General Marshall’s, Eleanor Roosevelt’s, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership skills in light of the modules we have completed thus far. With regard to General Marshall, his use of critical thinking and influential communication stood out for me. He was a master planner, orchestrating and strategizing battles and campaigns during World War 2, which cemented his status, although away from the battlefield, as a military leader and organizer. His willingness to challenge General Pershing and President Roosevelt, which was based on his complete understanding and evaluation of situations, as well as a keen awareness of the data supporting these decisions, was rooted in his critical thinking skills, although manifested in how he communicated. As a master orator, he utilized his communication skills to craft the war message to the American people, as well as Congress, and was envied by other leaders in his ability to get others to follow his message and believe in the United States’ mission and involvement in the war. As important as his message and use of language was, he also followed the principles he preached, living his life in accordance with that of a good soldier, which contributed to his sincerity and trustworthiness, as he pushed the nation down an uncertain path.

Similar to General Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt embodies influential communication, while also being an innovator. Despite the challenges of her marriage, Eleanor Roosevelt was a key member of her husband’s kitchen cabinet throughout his political career. She was a confidant to FDR and utilized her role to advance her social issues. As innovator, Eleanor Roosevelt seemingly created the role of First Lady, and through this public display, as well her political leanings and advocacy, she exhibited the important role women can play in leadership, which had been overlooked (or more accurately, ignored). Her leadership, which was enhanced by her communication through the written word (in her daily article) and verbally (via radio and television), was achieved without a significant title or position, as in the case of General Marshall, but rather in her convictions.

While no doubt a critical thinker, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., like Eleanor Roosevelt, prominently demonstrates communication and innovation skills. His bus boycott speech in Montgomery, the Letter from a Birmingham Jail, and his address at the March on Washington are perfect examples of his command over communication and impressively moved not only his supporters, but at times even his opponents, towards affecting action and change. While maybe not entirely unique, he was a leader among a group of individuals that had not had the opportunity to be lead previously (albeit due to discrimination and racism), giving, and then sharing, power with the “dispossessed” to move towards a more equitable society. While I would be lucky to have an iota of the skills displayed by any of these leaders, I most covet Dr. King’s ability to communicate based not just on his knowledge of an issue, but his passion and allowing the “spirit” to take hold. I would gladly elevate my communication skills to be able to coherently express my ideas and messages with both the cognition and passion epitomized by Dr. King.

[Marie Sabatino]

Hi John,

When I read your post, particularly the last part about Dr. MLK Jr., it somehow brought me back to the earlier days at Fedcap when we worked together. I think many of your close colleagues would agree that you brought a certain passion to your work, communicated with a palpable energy, and really excelled at rallying your team. So in thinking about all this, I wondered how you might have been able to use some of these skills in challenging situations or to overcome adversity.

Hoping we get to hear about this tomorrow!
Marie

[gdidona]

Hi John, Wonderful post! I thought that you gave clear examples of how each leader's leadership styles directly tied to the previous LA modules. I particularly appreciate the notation about Eleanor Roosevelt's writings being as influential as her speeches; great reminder that influential communication is multi-dimensional. I wonder if it is easier for someone like General Marshall, who had the hierarchical authority of a general (or even an Eleanor Roosevelt, who had the ear of the President), than for someone like Dr. Martin Luther King, who had no governmental/political authority?

I agree with you that both cognition and passion were in full display, not just with Dr. King, but all three leaders. In the March on Washington, the "I have a dream" portion of his speech was not part of his prepared text; he drew upon previous sermons he had given when he felt that his prepared remarks were not having the intended effect on the audience. Talk about pivoting! I am with you; I would love to possess a portion of his gift of influential communication.