INSPIRATIONAL COMPONENT OF LEADERSHIP
And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. I Timothy 4:12 – The Message
“Over here boys,” shouted the Colonel! The second day at Gettysburg was among the fiercest fighting of the Civil War. For a moment, that afternoon, it appeared that the Texans would overcome the Michiganders holding the extreme end of the Union line on Little Round Top. Suddenly the 140th New York, under the leadership of Patrick Henry O’Rorke, crested the hill and entered the fray forcing the Texas boys back down the hill.
Arriving in America from Ireland the O’Rorke family settled in Rochester, New York. Patrick’s father was killed in a stone quarry accident and Patrick (Paddy) took up his father’s trade leaving school. His mother would not allow it holding to the promise made to give the children an education. Maintaining three jobs mother O’Rorke saw to it that Paddy had the schooling which his parents had pledged. Graduating first among Rochester’s schools, Paddy was appointed to West Point. Valedictorian of the class of 1861 he quickly climbed the ranks and was Colonel of the 140th New York Regiment by the time the Army of the Potomac reached Gettysburg.
Normally, an officer of his training led from the rear, but this day he was at the front and that decision cost him his life. The desperate need July 2nd required an alteration in leadership for there was no time to deploy. Relying on an inspirational component that he knew would work best with his troops he characterized his leadership by conspicuous bravery hurling himself and the regiment into the breach, instead of lead and steel, flesh and blood filled the gap that day. His selflessness was paramount, for his action took him out of control, placing his subordinates in domination. And his trust in them played out. There was no real savior of Little Round Top, just several men all doing their duty during vignettes of the larger action.
At his burial July 15 his men resolved, “in the death of our Colonel this regiment has sustained an irreparable loss, and the service one of its most devoted and accomplished officers . . . the firm and decided character he displayed in the performance of duty, and by continued exhibition of those qualities which make the thorough gentleman, which arouse esteem and beget friendship, he immediately won our respect which soon ripened into unbounded confidence, love and devotion. And when his clear and musical voice came down that battle line, every man obeyed the command with alacrity which confidence in and devotion to their leader could not effect. Aside from those military virtues which have so won our regard he possessed qualities which attracted all who were thrown into his society.”
PRAYER
Lord, grant that I may lead with a selflessness that inspires men to go forward and possess the land for the cause of Christ and enable them to do feats that appear inhuman but acknowledge your greatness in the accomplishment.
LEADERSHIP THOUGHT
Initiators lead the way with selfless fortitude and willing sacrifice that insures success for those who follow.
-Dennis L. Kutzner