Stonewall Jackson Leadership
It is becoming apparent that we all should review some Stonewall Jackson Leadership qualities to implement now. It seems everywhere I turn there is either ineffective leadership or an absence of leaders. It really has been weighing on my mind that is happening in a somewhat reduced stress and normal world of everyday living. What will happen when the chaos of unnamed event becomes reality?
Thomas Jackson shows that the leadership has risen in the past. He hails from what was Virginia and then the area became West Virginia. He was orphaned at the age of six and grew up with various family. It was with this low standing in life that he secured an appointment to West Point. He rose through the ranks and gained notoriety in the Mexican-American War as a artilleryman that could be counted on to get the job done.
photo by Kathy
Once the polish wore off the accolades from the Mexican-American War he got out of the Army and became a professor at the Virginia Military Institute(VMI). He was an eccentric professor and many of his techniques are still utilized today at VMI. Once the Civil War broke out he became a Colonel in the Virginia Militia. He gained his famous Stonewall moniker at the epic battle of First Manassas. He went on to become the premier General in United States military history.
From his humble beginnings to becoming the best General was a testament to his leadership. Let us look at the five that we should implement today:
- Self-Discipline
He was first and foremost a Servant of God. He knew leaders would be scrutinized every minute. He recognized the power of flesh that could overtake a man.Although not inherently sinful he eschewed tobacco and alcohol.
- Surrounding himself with people of faith and character
He worked with men of different types and character. Only those of high moral Character and loyalty made it as trusted advisers.
- Servant Leadership
A man that was adapt at taking orders and giving them. He demanded they be carried out no matter the cost. That is why his bosses could trust him with big objectives.
- Ability to make decisions
He quickly decided the course of action. A huge believer in the Sovereignty of God for every outcome he knew that the decision was not in his hands.
- Press on against all odds
He would march as hard as he could to gain a superior advantage. Once he had an opponent on the run he did not let up. He would annihilate an opponent given the chance but extend extreme grace to non-combatants.
These five Stonewall Jackson leadership traits would serve us all well to implement today. Our history has shown us that in great time of need leadership rises in places that we never saw coming. I encourage all of us to not to wait on that time of crisis and step up today!