The Language of Leadership

When one considers the indomitable spirit of the English people during the crisis in Europe after the fall of France and the threat of invasion, the German blitz and terror bombing of London and other English cities, the question is begged, why? Why did they remain steadfast? They, an island nation, stood alone with but a sliver of water between them and the enemy sworn to crush them. They with few resources - a tiny army, an air force hurriedly trying to catch up in materiel and training of pilots, no place for retreat - stood immovable and determined.

Consider the words of Winston Churchill - the force of his leadership coming through his oratory and moving the very will of the people and stirring a courage in their hearts.

Steven F. Hayward, in his book, GREATNESS: Reagan, Churchill & The Making of Extraordinary Leaders, offers the following.

"...Churchill is recalled for his stirring oratory.; in Edward R. Murrow's memorable phrase, Churchill 'mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.' Robert Rhodes James offers a good summary of the powerful effect of Churchill's early wartime speeches: 'It is often said that speeches do not affect votes in the House of Commons; this almost , though not quite, is true... What will always be remembered as the "blood, sweat and tears" speech was a real turning point... It was Churchill's outstanding quality as a war leader that he had made the struggle seem not merely essential for national survival, but worthwhile and noble. No one - not even a child, as I was - who was in England in the summer of 1940 will ever forget the cheerfulness of the people. One caught Churchill's infectious spirit that this was a great time to be alive in; that Destiny had conferred a wonderful benefit upon us; and that these were thrilling days to live through.'"

Words are powerful tools. What we say makes indelible marks on others. Let's choose carefully, then, our words, and use them for good. Churchill understood truth is the best kind of speech and he unabashedly called evil " evil"   and did not water down the realities. But, grim as those realities were, he understood his words would inspire courage and grit in the face of those realities. He and the British people forged an alliance, linking arms to stand in the face of tyranny and not blink, not back down. And they won.