Hold the Line
Ready — The Battle of Gettysburg reached a critical moment in July 1863. Confederate forces pushed hard against the Union Army’s left flank at a rocky hill called Little Round Top. If the Union line broke there, the entire battle, and perhaps the Civil War, could be lost. Standing in the gap was Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, a former college professor from Maine with little formal military training.
Set — Chamberlain and his 20th Maine Regiment were exhausted, low on ammunition, and under relentless attack. Retreat was not an option. Chamberlain later said he realized they must hold “at all hazards.” Then came the daring decision: with no ammunition left, Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge downhill. The move shocked Confederate troops and saved the Union position. His courage under impossible conditions became one of the defining leadership moments of the Civil War.
Joshua Chamberlain succeeded because he . . .
Performed Under Pressure: Chamberlain did not panic when resources ran low.
Led with Conviction: He didn’t delay but made difficult decisions fast and with confidence.
Inspired Through Presence: Chamberlain fought beside his men, not behind them. Whenever the men looked around, they saw their colonel among them.
Took the Offensive: When the original plan failed, he improvised by taking a surprising offensive position.
Persevered Through Exhaustion: Chamberlain kept going when energy was depleted, showing his troops a high level of commitment to victory.
Grow! — All leaders face their own “Little Round Top” moments—times when resources are thin, opposition rises, and quitting seems easier. Perhaps you’re facing your own “Little Round Top” now. In those moments, perseverance matters. Rather than moving into a defensive position, take the offensive. Hold the line! It might bring its own level of success with it.
Two Questions
Resources are thin. How do you respond?
Where do you “hold the line” right now?