From Major Dick Winters’ WWII Memoirs

I personally think that this should be “required reading” along with the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and  Bill of Rights, for our House of Representatives and Senate.  In my opinion, they have continually demonstrated that most of them do not possess a modicum of spinal fortitude or leadership skills.

Leadership at the Point of the Bayonet

Ten Principals for Success

1. Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.

2. Lead from the front.  Say, “Follow me!” and then lead the way.

3. Stay in top physical shape—physical stamina is the root of mental toughness.

4. Develop your team.  If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.

5. Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their jobs.  You can’t do a good job if you don’t have a chance to use your imagination and your creativity.

6. Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles.  Don’t wait until you get to the top of the ridge and then make up your mind.

7. Remain humble.  Don’t worry about who recieves the credit.  Never let power or authority go to your head.

8. Take a moment of self-reflection.  Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.

9. True satisfaction comes from getting the job done.  The key to a successful leader is to earn respect—not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.

10. Hang Tough!—Never, ever, give up.

Major Dick Winters
Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division
“Band of Brothers”

From:  “Beyond Band of Brothers, The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters”