Leadership Lessons from Gettysburg: What the Battle Can Teach Us About Making Decisions on the Fly

Quick answer: What does Gettysburg teach about decision-making?

John contrasts George Meade, who took command three days before the battle and adapted as it unfolded, with Robert E. Lee, whose commitment to his plan ended in Pickett's Charge. Using Henry Mintzberg's idea of emergent strategy, he argues leaders must keep planning as conditions change.

Why it matters for leaders: A plan is a starting point, and leaders need to keep adjusting it as events unfold.

Q: When did Meade take command?

A: On June 28, 1863, three days before the battle began on July 1.

Q: What is emergent strategy?

A: Henry Mintzberg's term for strategy that forms from a pattern of decisions made in response to events, as opposed to a fully planned, deliberate strategy.

Read the full article on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leadership-lessons-from-gettysburg-what-battle-can-teach-john-fenzel

By John Fenzel, founder and CEO of Heroes' Path Foundation