The Leadership of George Marshall, Essay Example

Abstract

This paper provides a thorough examination of the leadership style of George Marshall. George Catlett Marshall was one of Americas most celebrated soldiers in World War 11. In addition he was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.  During World War 11 he was the Army Chief of Staff with the awesome leadership responsibility for overseeing the construction of the largest army in world history.  This paper is divided into four distinct part: (1) Introduction – Biographical background of George Marshall (2) Leadership Qualities – the attributes, styles, personality and special characteristics of the man (3) Analysis of Leadership – The leadership components and how this has relevance today (4) Conclusions – The applicability and legacy of Marshall today.

Literature Review

George C Marshall appears as a Soldier and Statesman in numerous books and periodicals and specifically in the American Journal of Military History.  His most famous contribution being the organizing of the D-Day landings under the Commander in Chief President Roosevelt.  Numerous works cover the ‘Marshall Plan’ the plan covering the restoration of Europe after the destruction of the Second World War.  “Marshall was convinced that economic stability would provide political stability in Europe. He offered aid, but the European countries had to organise the programme themselves” (Absolute Astronomy, 2010).  Two noted books are those of George C Marshall by Catherine Welch and Soldier, Statesman, Peacemaker the leadership lessons of George C Marshall by Jack Uldrich.  It is perhaps the latter book where we derive the greatest insights into the leadership skills of General Marshall. Other selected works include that of:  Marshall, George C., Report on the Army, July 1, 1939, to June 30, 1941: Biennial Report of General George C. Marshall. Washington, The Infantry Journal, 1941. Marshall, George C., Selected Speeches and Statements of General of the Army George C. Marshall, ed. by H.A. De Weerd. Washington, The Infantry Journal, 1945. Marshall, George C., The Winning of the War in Europe and the Pacific: Biennial Report of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, July 1, 1943, to June 30, 1945, to the Secretary of War. New York, Simon & Schuster, 1945. Marshall, Katherine Tupper, Together: Annals of an Army Wife. New York, Tupper & Love, 1946. (Nobel Prize.org, 2010).

Introduction

The paper asks ‘How important was George Marshall’s contribution to effective leadership in the United States and on the international stage? What qualities did he demonstrate showing leadership excellence and how are these valued today’?  General George Marshall (1980-1959) was a Soldier, Political leader and a Statesman.  He became a soldier after graduation from the Virginia Military Institute In 1901 he served as a Captain in the Philippines and in World War 1 he was appointed to the General Staff.  He achieved an illustrious Military Career in the next nine years following world War 1 “He achieved fame and promotion for his staff work in the battles of Cantigny, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne. After acting as aide-de-camp to General Pershing from 1919 to 1924, Marshall served in China from 1924 to 1927, and then successively as instructor in the Army War College in 1927” (Nobel Prize.org, 2010).  Between 1936-38 Marshall held the rank of Brigadier General. In 1939 President Roosevelt appointed him General Chief of Staff and in 1944 General of the Armies. “In his position as chief of staff, Marshall urged military readiness prior to the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941, later became responsible for the building, supplying, and, in part, the deploying of over eight million soldiers” (Nobel Prize.org, 2010).  An illustrious military leadership career General Marshall became a Nobel Laureate in 1953 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Leadership qualities

In the middle of 1941 Marshall had increased the US Army from 175,000 to 1.4 million troops. He prepared for a potential world conflict by drawing up two distinct plans in consultation with President Theodore Roosevelt.  (1) To help Britain in the defence of Europe from the German Nazi regime and (2) To prepare for a potential conflict in the Pacific with the Empire of Japan.  Marshall had differences with Congress who tried to evade these responsibilities but Marshall stated “ I want to go right down the straight road, to do what is best and to do it frankly without evasion” (Uldrich, 2005). This proved Marshall to be a leader of great courage and personal integrity.

After the First World War Marshall was approached by the Partner of JP Morgan Bank who offered him an appointment at $30,000 per year (a huge sum of money at that period of time, particularly compared to a Generals salary).  He turned the position down and later was said he had to find the moral courage to do the right thing and that was remain in the Army. It is another example of his leadership commitment and high moral convictions. “His traits of honesty and candour gained the trust of millions of Americans and the respect of world leaders during his 50 years of selfless service.” (George C Marshall Foundation, 2009).

Marshall was essentially a leader by example. He believed in setting exemplary qualities of leadership standards for his staff officers. He was extremely well organized and was considered to be one of the most outstanding public administrators of his time. He had already excelled as a remarkable battlefield strategist during World War 1 and as such had a wealth of leadership experience behind him in world War 2.  The greatest compliment coming from the then British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill who at the end of the war described Marshall as the “Architect of Victory” (Pops, 2006). After the War the ‘Marshall Plan’ involved the reconstruction of Europe and this demonstrated the many other leadership qualities of Marshall including that of tact, diplomacy, negotiator, innovator and the ability to resolve leadership issues and problems. The Nobel Committee referred to Marshall as “An Organizer of Peace” (Pops, 2006).

Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. Over 100n letters or communiqués were sent between Marshall and Eisenhower. These provided an important glimpse into the personalities of both men.  Initially Marshall was Eisenhower’s commanding officer and was his mentor, ally and chief Supporter. Both men had a great respect for one another.  This was not generally shared with other leaders like Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, General Patton and Mountbatten. Who had major differences of opinion in the strategic planning and campaigning.  Both Marshall and Eisenhower were superb tactitioners and excelled in strategic military planning. Both men admired Benjamin Franklin and General Robert E Lee.  (Dwight D. Eisenhower, Baltimore ).

Marshall viewed the Russians as the main barrier to peace in Europe and equally divisive in helping to bring about the reformation and rebuilding of Europe as part of the Marshall Plan. He reported to the United Nations clearly identifying Russia as a major stumbling block towards the road to reconciliation and peace in Europe “”In place of peace, liberty and economic security, we find menace, repression and dire want.” (Marshall, 1948).

Marshall called for UN intervention in preventing Russia from repressing Europe. Another example of his courage, convictions and ability to provide effective leadership.

Contributions of Marshall

The US Military Academy provided a scholarship to herald the enormous contributions that George C Marshall had made in the reconstruction of Europe after the second world war.  This enabled recipients of the award to attend prestigious Universities in the United Kingdom.  ““The academy’s record of 24 scholars in 21 years is a record of consistent and unequalled high achievement,” he said. “Each year, despite the intensifying competition, West Point candidates have regularly outperformed students from … Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Columbia.” (Fox, 2004).  The Apex of Marshall’s career must have been the acknowledgement of the huge success of the Marshall Plan and the subsequent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.  There is no doubt however that Marshall was indeed a proud and exemplary soldier and personified excellence in an extensive military career.

Analysis of leadership

The illustration to the right is a personal SWOT analysis of General George C Marshall based upon the research and character profile of data collected during his military career. It provides an insight into the key leadership characteristics of the General.  His own personal integrity, honour and commitment to the cause of the US Military exemplified his character of a man who put his men and country before  personal gains and wealth creation.  A man of sterling character who rose above the conventional to become one of the greatest leaders of our time and a person who championed the cause of peace in addition to architecting the victories of warfare.  Marshall believed in the cause of democracy.

Leadership effectiveness

Marshall was best known for his outstanding services as the Chief of Staff during World War 2; although he had occupied crucial military leadership roles in a career spanning some 50 years of military service. Most astonishing was that during the post-recovery years of World War 2, his implementation of the Marshall Plan revealed the character of a true diplomat and skilled negotiator. He was successful in all of his roles with the exception of being able to formulate a peace treaty with the Chinese Communists and Nationalists; this despite a prolonged and serious attempt at reaching an agreement. His leadership effectiveness might best be summarised with the following key accomplishments:

• Executive Officer of Logistics in World War 1
• Getting the National Guard into a combat ready force
• The re-organization of the army
• The great effort in trying to negotiate a peace treaty with the Chinese
• The re-organization of the State Department in 1947-48
• Creation and implementation of the Marshall Plan
• In charge of the Defense Department during the Korean War
• President of the American Red Cross 1948-49 (Pops, 2006)

Any of the above achievements may be singled out as uniquely remarkable in terms of leadership excellence.  When you combine them all together they provide a catalogue of one man’s outstanding leadership qualities over years of dedicated selfless service to his country. This in turn dismisses the concept that leadership qualities are random events of personal traits and behaviours.

What Marshalls leadership qualities might offer us today

This might best be summarized by the immortal words of President John F Kennedy in his inaugural speech to the nation “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. “ (Kennedy, 2010). These words might have been addressed to Marshall as he exemplified the concept of service, duty, self-sacrifice and dedication to his country. Leadership scandals like that of Enron are an utter disgrace in the modern business world and illustrate the darker side of business leadership based upon self-centred greed, disregard for the nation and the people, get rich quick mentality and contempt for others in Society.  Although it is recognized that Military Academies like West Point tend to create a different kind of exemplary leader, nevertheless people like Marshall are an inspiration to modern leaders not just in the USA but throughout the world at large. He sets a leadership standard that we should all try to aspire to.  However, society has gone through significant changes and we have lost some of the more valuable inspirational leadership qualities that leaders of Marshall’s generation showed to us.  Hope for the future rests with the examination of History and this has indicated that over time there is an emergence of many great leaders; not all of them with beneficial characters that benefit mankind. Marshall demonstrated that in addition to be a great war time strategic leader he was also a humanitarian.  He did care for the welfare of people and the concept of a peaceful co-existence of peoples.

Self reflection on leadership

Perhaps the heroes of today are the pioneers of tomorrow.  The Astronauts that break new frontiers in space exploration.  The researchers and Doctors that seek answers and cures to medical diseases like Cancer, Aids and other terminal illnesses.  That medical staffs that works with organizations like the Red Cross and Medicines Sans Frontieres who go to help others and in doing so put themselves in harm’s way.  There are certain good entrepreneurial leaders that despite their great wealth have tried to make contributions to set examples by helping others to achieve and lead a better life i.e. Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey etc.

Conclusion

When Marshall received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 he commented that many people might be shocked that such an award was made to a Soldier.  “The cost of war in human lives is constantly spread before me, written neatly in many ledgers whose columns are gravestones. I am deeply moved to find some means or method of avoiding another calamity of war. Almost daily I hear from the wives, or mothers, or families of the fallen. The tragedy of the aftermath is almost constantly before me.” (NobelPrize.org, 1953).  Even during his own award ceremony and Nobel speech Marshall was using this to exemplify and endorse the work of Dr. Albert Schweitzer “Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the world humanitarian, who today receives the Nobel Peace Award for 1952. I feel it is a vast compliment to be associated with him in these awards this year” (NobelPrize.org, 1953).  This again characterises the man in terms of his modesty and benevolence to others. George Catlett Marshall died in 1959 and we consigned into history one of the greatest and most respected military leaders in American history.  The US Military Academies like West Point will continue to instruct the teaching and leadership virtues of George C Marshall and he has well deserved his place in American history as one of the great military Generals.

Works Cited

Absolute Astronomy. (2010). Marshall Plan. Retrieved 11 1, 2010, from Absolute Astronomy: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Marshall_Plan

Dwight D. Eisenhower, J. P. (Baltimore ). Dear General: Eisenhower’s Wartime Letters to Marshall . 1999: John Hopkins University Press.

Fox, J. (2004, 2 6). Academy Honoured. Retrieved 10 31, 2010, from Pointer View: http://www.usma.edu/PublicAffairs/PV/040206/Marshall.htm

George C Marshall Foundation. (2009). About George Marshall. Retrieved 11 1, 2010, from George C Marshall Foundation: http://www.marshallfoundation.org/about/index.html

Kennedy, J. F. (2010). Inspiring quotes and Stories. Retrieved 11 1, 2010, from Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy: http://www.inspiring-quotes-and-stories.com/ask-not-what-your-country-can-do-for-you.html

Marshall, G. C. (1948). George C. Marshall. Time Magazine.

Nobel Prize.org. (2010). The Nobel Peace Prize 1953. Retrieved 11 1, 2010, from Nobel Prize.org: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1953/marshall-bio.html

NobelPrize.org. (1953). Nobel Lecture. Retrieved 11 1, 2010, from NobelPrize.org: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1953/marshall-lecture.html

Pops, G. (2006). The Ethical Leadership of George C Marshall. West Viginia University: Public Integrity.

Uldrich, J. (2005). Soldier, statesman, peacemaker: leadership lessons from George C. Marshall . In J. Uldrich, Soldier, statesman, peacemaker: leadership lessons from George C. Marshall (p. 36). New York