How To Win Enemies And Influence People

"When the German armies first swept into the western regions of the Soviet Union they had been greeted as liberators. The Soviet people, who had suffered two decades of oppression under Stalin, were ready to go over to Germany's side. What they wanted was 'liberation from Bolshevism.' If they had been treated with respect and sympathy they would have eagerly embraced the German cause. But instead they had been made slaves." - Michael Lynch

Success can rise so easily to one's head. Even much, much subtler victories than the conquest of Soviet villages spawn a cocky remark, a "told-you-so" gesture, or something more condescending. Respect is an exercise best done daily.

Two Ranks Ahead

"One of the habits inculcated into [German] soldiers while training was for them 'to think two ranks ahead', that is to assume that the officers immediately above them had been removed, leaving them to work out how to respond now that orders were no longer coming down the line." - Michael Lynch

There are at least two other variations of this theme I can think of.

At work, most supervisors are thrilled by the ability for employees to work independently, with little direction. Part of that independence is an instinct for understanding not just what they do, but why it is how it is. Another sign is talking in terms of solutions rather than problems. Independent employees ask for resources first, and answers second... they would rather find the answer than be fed it. They think as if they own the business.

Another is "know your audience." Thinking in terms of the needs of the audience makes all the difference. It keeps us from delivering prime rib to vegetarians, a sports car to a toddler, an overly technical presentation to people with only high-level knowledge and interest, or humor that's ill-received.

General Oversight

"Having entered Stalingrad, the Germans met such a ferocious resistance that they were forced onto the defensive. The besiegers became the besieged. Ignoring the appeals of his generals at the front, who urged a withdrawal, Hitler instructed his army to retreat not one millimeter. They were instructed 'to fight to the last soldier and the last bullet.'"

As a result, the powerful Sixth Army of Germany, which had been its most successful in World War II, lost 200,000 and another 91,000 were captured, of which 6,000 survived captivity.

Hitler blamed the large number of Romanian, Hungarian and Italian units fighting on the German side. He screamed of the cowardice of the army's commander Paulus when Paulus eventually surrendered.

Lesson: Leaders who scream and blame others are bad enough. Those who push on with blinders to the input of their team are downright disastrous.

Today was a small victory for inclusiveness at work. Thanks to solicited feedback, several people produced ideas that improved the final design. Those who produced ideas were thankful for being part of the team.