George Marshall: A Defining Leader
All great leaders have had one characteristic in common: It was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of the people of their time. This, and not much else is the essence of leadership" ~ John Kenneth Galbraith
1. Duty Sending Europe billions of dollars in aid was not Marshall's original idea. He was one of the Western leaders who realized the effects of WWII destruction to Europe. Like others, he realized that leaving Europe to suffer would have unfortunate consequences. Unlike others, he led the way and put the ideas of many into action.
2. Determination The plan received opposition from some Americans with the notion of tax payer dollars being stolen. Marshall testified before Congress and traveled the country patiently explaining his plan to skeptical citizens.
3. Empathy Marshall understood how desperate the Europeans were and encouraged the Americans to show empathy for Europe. Eventually, American support was gained.
4. Desire for Justice Marshall believed it was unfair that Europe was left helpless at the hands of Communist USSR. He thought all people had the right to democratic rule.
2. Determination The plan received opposition from some Americans with the notion of tax payer dollars being stolen. Marshall testified before Congress and traveled the country patiently explaining his plan to skeptical citizens.
3. Empathy Marshall understood how desperate the Europeans were and encouraged the Americans to show empathy for Europe. Eventually, American support was gained.
4. Desire for Justice Marshall believed it was unfair that Europe was left helpless at the hands of Communist USSR. He thought all people had the right to democratic rule.
" I need not tell you gentlemen that the world situation is very serious...I think one difficulty is that the problem is one of such enormous complexity that the very mass of facts presented to the public by press and radio make it exceedingly difficult for the man in the street to reach a clear appraisement of the situation. Furthermore, the people of this country are distant from the troubled areas of the earth and it is hard for them to comprehend the plight of long-suffering peoples, and the effects of those reactions on their governments in connection with our efforts to promote peace in the world. " ~ George C. Marshall
George Marshall Testifying Before Congress
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With foresight and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties I have outlined can and will be overcome." |