Lessons in Determination from a Civil War Hero
The resolve of Joshua Chamberlain, when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, made him a military legend. For advisors, his story is inspiring.
Feel like the bear has you beat? Union officer Joshua Chamberlain would understand. Chamberlain saw innumerable soldiers bruised and battered—on the good days. On the bad ones, he took the bullets himself. But through remarkable willpower and the courage to act decisively, Chamberlain not only survived grievous injuries but helped turn the tide of the war.
Here's an example. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, Colonel Chamberlain and his men were ordered to hold Little Round Top—a small but strategically crucial hill—at all costs. After beating back six rebel assaults, the troops were ailing badly: Chamberlain's superior officer was dead, and his men were out of ammunition. With Confederate forces advancing once more up the hill, Chamberlain's soldiers faced two grim alternatives: surrender, or be slaughtered.
Despite the odds, Chamberlain refused to give up. Ordering his men to fix their bayonets, he rallied their spirits and led them in a mad charge down the hill, routing the Confederates and saving the Union position. Chamberlain's courageous leadership earned him the Medal of Honor.
So what can we learn from Chamberlain's unfailing pursuit of his goal?
- Push your boundaries. When the Civil War broke out, the 34-year old Chamberlain had a plush job as a college professor in Maine. Overriding the objections of both family and colleagues, Chamberlain took a leave of absence and enlisted, voluntarily risking life and limb. Sound crazy? Not really—often, getting ahead requires pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Just think about advisor-slash-Ironman competitor Brad Gamblin, or former top-gun pilot Barry Bridger.
- Step up and take the lead. Chamberlain's troops charged the enemy at Petersburg, and his flag bearer was cut down by enemy fire. Snatching up the flag himself, Chamberlain ran forward until he too was shot. Maintaining his composure, Chamberlain directed aid to other fallen soldiers first—winning the respect and trust of his men. Do you take advantages of daily opportunities to lead? Challenge yourself to set new standards—in the number of calls you make, for example, or in your level of service and your attitude
- Take your hits and get back up. Gravely wounded at Petersburg, Chamberlain lay suffering in a bloodied medical tent with a shattered pelvis and a ruptured bladder. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, fearing the worst, gave Chamberlain a battlefield promotion to brigadier general; even the doctors had relinquished hope. But Chamberlain didn't give up easily. Within a matter of months—despite being barely able to walk—he once more reported for duty. Think about the shots you've taken: the market might seem to have left you for dead, but are you really ready to quit? Get off your keister and cold walk a new neighborhood, or consider a new fee-sharing arrangement.
- Learn by doing. Entering the service with no background in the military, Chamberlain learned how to be an officer by observing his commanders, then acting decisively—and learning from his mistakes. Sure, there are other advisors who have fatter books and more experience than you do. But don't let that intimidate you. Set your sights high: find yourself a successful mentor, and start making new plans to nail some big prospects.
- Cultivate strong relationships. Chamberlain demanded exceptional performance from his men—but he also showed kindness and courtesy by spending time among the sick and wounded, as well as by making sure their personal effects and last messages were sent home to their families. Passing on officer privileges, he slept on the ground with his men—even in the worst weather. Show your clients and colleagues that you're in the trenches with them by forging rock-solid bonds and nurturing teams and partnerships. And don't forget about your sales assistant.
- Maintain your honor. In honor of his service and self-sacrifice, Chamberlain was selected to receive the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. As the procession of battle-weary rebels marched past the assembled Union troops, Chamberlain astonished the Confederates by ordering his men to salute. In the throes of daily combat—whether on the battlefields or in the office—honor can easily be swept aside. By remembering to conduct yourself like a true professional, you'll ensure that you stand out in the eyes of colleagues, clients, and investors with whom you want to do business.
- Hunt out unlikely allies. After the war, Chamberlain received a letter from a Confederate sharpshooter who had once held Chamberlain in his sights—but who, in a moment of compassion, opted against pulling the trigger. Do you owe your success to people who gave you breaks in the past? Start digging around in your Rolodex; by patching up an old relationship or rekindling an old friendship, you might uncover new business. Also, reinvigorate yourself by taking time to give someone else a needed break and becoming a mentor.
- Define your goals. After the war ended, Chamberlain, revered in the army, was offered a permanent military post. Once again, however, he elected to decline the safe route, preferring to return to Maine to reinvent himself. He served as a college president, pursued business ventures (some more successful than others), and was elected governor for four terms. Too often, others have their own ideas about the best career path for us. Stop worrying about what you think you should do, and identify exactly what you want to do. Then, follow Chamberlain's lead—and go for the glory.
