Start Where You Are
Ready — On June 6, 1944—D-Day—Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. stepped onto Utah Beach under enemy fire. At age 56, suffering from arthritis and walking with a cane, Roosevelt was the oldest man in the first wave of the Normandy invasion. Many officers in his condition stayed behind. Roosevelt insisted on going with his men. He was the highest ranking officer to storm the beach that fateful day.
But something went wrong. Roosevelt’s troops landed a mile off target. Confusion spread. Enemy fire intensified. In those critical moments, panic threatened to cripple the mission. Roosevelt surveyed the chaos and made one of the most famous leadership statements of World War II: “We’ll start the war from right here.”
Set — Rather than retreat or wait for perfect conditions, Roosevelt adapted. He reorganized troops, redirected landing operations, and led soldiers inland through dangerous conditions. His leadership transformed confusion into momentum. Utah Beach became the most successful of the Normandy landings.
Teddy Roosevelt Jr’s success came because he . . .
Led From the Front: Roosevelt didn’t ask others to face dangers he didn’t face himself. Credibility grows when leaders are present in difficult moments.
Stayed on Mission: While others talked about the landing mistake, Roosevelt directed the mission.
Adjusted Quickly: The original plan failed, but Roosevelt refused to freeze. He adapted without losing direction.
Inspired Confidence: His calm presence stabilized frightened soldiers. Roosvelt’s calm emotions spread to the troops assuring them of success.
Acted: Roosevelt understood that in a crisis imperfect action is better than delayed action.
Grow! — Leadership rarely unfolds as planned. Staff changes happen. Budgets tighten. Programs fail. Conflict emerges. Effective leaders do not waste energy wishing circumstances were different. Like Roosevelt, they calmly ask, “How do we move forward from here?” For his courage and leadership, Roosevelt later received the Medal of Honor.
Two Questions
Are you leading from the front or from a distance?
How do you respond when plans change?