Solutions for Today from Wisdom of the Past
World War II Leadership Series

Your challenges in the workplace may sometimes seem overwhelming, but they are not unique. This series looks at success stories from internationally recognized leaders from the World War II era. They, like managers today, had to deal with shortages of resources, the need to build morale, political roadblocks, and the challenge of guiding towering egos toward  a common goal.
 
This series of short programs allows you to assess your own strengths and those of the people you work with, harness powerful communications tools for your workplace, and strengthen your own workplace teams.

"These are not dark days, these are great days—the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed . . . to play a part in making these days memorable."

- Winston Churchill

BOOSTING MORALE IN TOUGH TIMES: Lessons from Winston Churchill

​In times of change—reorganization, budget cuts, downsizing, new management, even moving the office—employees lose focus, and productivity declines.  Dealing with employee emotions, from anger to loss of interest, requires managers to ramp up their communications to help people re-engage with the organization’s mission, and not dwell on their own feelings.

Through historic examples from Winston Churchill in World War II, you will learn communications tools that you can apply to your own workplace.  By comparison with the shortages of war-time England, your problems should seem manageable.  So step back in time, study the master of communications, and begin drafting a plan to pull your employees into a confident, focused team once again.

"We succeed only as we identify in life, or in war, or in anything else, a single overriding objective, and make all other considerations bend to that one objective."

- Dwight D. Eisenhower

BUILDING WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS: Lessons from Eisenhower and D-Day

Our most versatile program has been conducted as 3 half-day sessions, a single full-day session, or a half-day session. The material is modular and can be expanded or shaped to fit your training needs. Each version includes instructor facilitation, videos, team exercises and discussion time.
 
Our role model is Dwight D. Eisenhower, who  faced a daunting assignment when given command over the Allied forces for the D-Day landings in World War II. His team included experienced commanders (all with more combat experience than Ike) from various branches of military service (navy, army, air force) and from several nations.

Each nation had its own priorities for recapturing European soil from the Germans, and each military service had its own working style. The commanders, used to running their own operations, brought towering egos and strong personalities to the new Allied team. How would Ike ever reach consensus on issues, much less forge a working team for this complex operation? 

"Do one thing every day that scares you."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

LEADING THROUGH KINDNESS & COMPASSION: Lessons from Eleanor Roosevelt

Program Description:  First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt continues to be a role model for women today, as she became a trailblazer for civil rights and women’s rights. Working through the toughest years in America’s history—the Great Depression and World War II—she delivered her positive views to the public through her radio, newspaper, magazine, and public speaking.  “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” she reminded people.  A woman who overcame shyness, self-doubt, and criticism, she became a politician, diplomat, and activist, and was dubbed the “first lady of the world” because of her global social justice work.

"Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly, and try another.  But by all means, try something."

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Power of Words: Lessons from Franklin D. Roosevelt
 
Program Description:  When Roosevelt was sworn into office in 1933, the country was in the midst of the Great Depression. In his inaugural address, FDR reached out to the American people, acknowledging their problems, and rallying them to work toward the nation’s healing. Evaluate FDR’s first 100 days—how he earned people’s trust and focused them on a common mission.

“The most important factor of all is character, which involves integrity, unselfish and devoted purpose, a sturdiness of bearing when everything goes wrong and all are critical, and a willingness to sacrifice self in the interest of the common good.”

- George Marshall

When Character and Integrity Count: Lessons from George Marshall
 
Program Description:  Chief of Staff of the Army during World War II, it was Marshall who raised and equipped American ground and air forces, selected officers, and planned global operations. Yet before the U.S. was drawn into the war, Marshall had to convince the President and members of Congress to prepare for the coming battle. They listened because of Marshall’s honesty, fairness, and integrity. You will learn how Marshall persuaded Congress, not by soaring oratory, but by his professionalism, truthfulness, and nonpartisan communications.