“Okay, Let’s Go”
Ready — As Supreme Allied Commander in World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower carried a burden few leaders ever experience. The decision before him was immense: whether to launch the D-Day invasion of Normandy or wait for a better time. The operation involved more than 150,000 troops, thousands of ships, hundreds of aircraft. The fate of Europe hung in the balance.
Set — In the days leading up to June 6, 1944, Eisenhower weighed conflicting intelligence, unpredictable weather, and strong opinions from seasoned commanders. Conditions were far from ideal. Delay risked losing momentum and morale; action risked catastrophic loss of life. On the evening of June 5, after reviewing the final weather report, Eisenhower made the call: “OK, let’s go.” History records it was the correct decision.
Eisenhower succeeded because he . . .
Sought Wise Counsel. He listened to advisors, meteorologists, and field commanders, weighing their input without surrendering his responsibility to decide.
Accepted Full Accountability. He drafted a confidential handwritten note taking full blame if the invasion failed thereby shouldering total responsibility if the invasion failed.
Acted Amid Uncertainty. He acted even though information was incomplete. Eisenhower realized waiting for perfect conditions delayed success.
Placed the Mission Above Self. Eisenhower put the success of the mission, and the lives entrusted to him, above personal reputation.
Grow! — The Normandy invasion succeeded not because conditions were perfect, but because a leader was willing to decide and act. Leaders move forward when clarity is partial and risk is real. They trust their preparation, seek counsel, and decide. Decisions are courageous, informed, and resolute.
Two Questions
Do you tend to act or wait too long to make important decisions?
Have you demonstrated responsibility and courage when the outcome was uncertain?