You Ask, What Is Our Aim?

Sir Winston Churchill is judged by history as the most critical leader of World War II in the defeat of Hitler’s Germany.

His leadership is epitomized by this quote, “You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory—victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.”

Given the gravity of his task, Mr. Churchill’s leadership was so very important to Europe and America, as well as the whole world.  He was faced with the atrocity and horror of Hitler’s bloody aggression.  The clarity and simplicity of his Vision was perfect for the task.  It was one word.  Victory.

Far too often I have observed leadership that does not understand the importance of Vision.  Fortunately, leaders that don’t have a Vision are rarely called upon to save a continent from genocide.  Nevertheless, every leader should be able to answer the question: what is our aim?  If you cannot, I doubt you are happy with the results of your leadership or don’t understand why you got  certain results (even if you like them).  Take your Vision seriously, regardless of the leadership context.  When done effectively, your Leadership Vision can become your Leadership Results.

I highly recommend: Churchill by Paul Johnson (iTunes) (Amazon).