Washington as a Leader

George Washington as a Leader

Samuel Lovell

Excelsior University

George Washington as a Leader

George Washington was outstanding in his courage under fire, his ability to think coolly and rationally on the battlefield and his seizing of opportunities. He also showed fatherly devotion to his own men (Harvey, 2008). His courage and resolution steadied him in danger, and defeat steeled his will. His devotion to his country and his faith in its cause sustained him (Nettles, 1980). He was able to motivate his subordinates through his own actions and various leadership styles. Three of the greatest qualities displayed by George Washington were; courage under fire, an ability to improvise and seize unexpected tactical advantage on the battlefield and a fatherly devotion to his own men. These are three of sixteen qualities, described by Robert Harvey, that are exhibited by great military leaders. Due to his high ethics and great leadership styles, George Washington will forever be recognized as one of the greatest leaders in our countries history.

George Washington learned early in his military career that courage was needed to lead his men and he would have to improvise to seize the advantage in many of his battles. Later in his endeavors, Washington would face a horrible winter that would show his devotion to his men and their welfare. Janelle Pavao writes about George Washington’s leadership in battle:

Not long after he joined the army, the French and Indian war began. When he and British General Braddock were sent with a troop to take Ohio back from the French, they were ambushed by a French and Indian force. Braddock was mortally wounded, and the troop devolved into utter chaos, trying to retreat. Then Washington stepped up to fill the gap. He raced around the field collecting Braddock's troops and made possible the retreat of all the men together. That entire troop owed their...