Bold Execution
Ready — Dwight D. Eisenhower said he was “the man who won the war for us.” He drank a bottle of whiskey a day and, not surprising, was vociferous and hot tempered. Andrew Higgins, industrialist and boatbuilder, designed the Landing Craft, Personnel, Vehicle (LCPV) that helped turn the tide in World War II.
Set — To produce the 20,000 LCPVs which carried the infantry ashore during the Normandy invasion, and throughout the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters, he expanded his small New Orleans company into a large assembly employing 30,000 workers at its peak.
To accomplish this feat, Higgins . . .
Saw the Need: Allied forces needed a way to land troops, vehicles, and supplies onto hostile beaches. He realized traditional naval vessels were too large or vulnerable to maneuver in shallow waters.
Innovated Under Pressure: Although he was a genius at small boat design, Higgins adapted, designing multiple variants of the craft to suit different needs. He created the LCPV, a landing craft that could approach a beach, drop a ramp, and unload troops or vehicles.
Executed Boldly: Higgins clashed with military bureaucracy but never slowed down. He pushed boundaries and didn’t wait for permission.
Mobilized a Team: He united a diverse workforce from every race and background —one of the most integrated workplaces of the time.
Inspired His Workers: A large sign seen by every worker on the assembly floor read: “The Man Who Relaxes Is Helping the Axis.”
Grow! — Andrew Higgins didn’t wear a uniform. He fought with blueprints, bolts, and belief. His landing crafts didn’t just carry soldiers—they carried the hopes of freedom-loving people across the globe.
Two Questions
What are you seeing that others are missing?
Are you creating solutions or waiting for ideal conditions?