Ready, Set, LEAP!

Ready — During World War II, the Japanese fortified islands in the Pacific to stall the advance of United States forces. Attacking the fortified positions one-by-one in succession posed a daunting task; one that would have cost the US forces numerous losses.

Set — To reduce losses, General Douglas MacArthur departed from traditional military tactics and designed a strategy known as "island-hopping" or "leapfrogging.” His strategic maneuver bypassed fortified Japanese positions, while capturing important islands, thereby isolating and neutralizing the enemy’s strongholds. This involved …

• Selective Targeting: He focused on less-defended islands with strategic value, such as those with airfields or harbors.

• Conserving Resources: MacArthur minimized casualties and resources by avoiding direct assaults on heavily fortified positions.

• Surpising the Enemy: He kept the enemy off balance by striking unexpected targets.

• Diminishing Morale: MacArthur demoralized and rendered trapped troops ineffective by bypassing and ignoring them.

• Neutralizing Threats: He rendered the most fortified islands powerless, without the need for direct confrontation.

Grow! — MacArthur’s approach serves as a reminder that in life, as in warfare, sometimes the best path to success is not the most direct. How might you employ this approach of selective leapfrogging in your life and work?