Tag: Douglas MacArthur

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12 O’Clock High-a podcast on business leadership

Episode 111-Truman Sacks MacArthur

Richard Lummis and I are back and we head in a different direction today. This episode begins a three-part podcast series where consider the two principals from a titanic struggle in the early 1950s. It was between President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur. In today’s Part 3, we consider some of the leadership lessons from Truman’s decision to and sacking of MacArthur. Some of the issues posed include:

  • Was the sacking inevitable?
  • How much control must you have on subordinate? How much should you have?
  • MacArthur said he wanted to save live; Truman wanted to end the war. Were these mutually exclusive bargaining positions?
  • Was MacArthur subordinate when he sabotaged Truman’s attempt at a cease fire?
  • What would you have done?
  • What should a leader do in the face of criticism like the Benning letter?

Additional resources
The Firing of MacArthur
The Benning Letter

Categories
12 O’Clock High-a podcast on business leadership

Episode 110-Leadership Lessons from General Douglas MacArthur

Richard Lummis and I are back and we head in a different direction today. This episode begins a three-part podcast series where consider the two principals from a titanic struggle in the early 1950s. It was between President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur. In today’s Part 2, we consider some of the leadership lessons from MacArthur. Some of the issues posed by a study of MacArthur’s leadership style include:

  • Some of the leadership principles of Truman included: (a) The Confidence to Stand Alone; (b) The Courage to Make Tough Decisions; and (c) The Compassion to Listen to the Needs of Others.
  • Treat subordinates with respect but when it comes time to terminate, do so.
  • Delegate when appropriate but keep the decisions you to make to yourself.
  • Stay cool, calm and collected.
  • Always set an example for your subordinates.

Additional resources
3 Traits of a True Leader
Leadership Lessons for New Managers from an Old General