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Recently, a great blog was published by Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's award winning book Team of Rivals, Hyatt outlined five weak leadership traits about General McClellan who served under the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.

Hyatt noted the political wisdom and genius of Lincoln.  "At the beginning of Lincoln's first term, he appointed each of his former Republican rivals__those who had run against him for his party's nomination__to cabinet posts.  The narrative demonstrates his amazing ability to tap into a broad array of perspectives and create alignment among those who often disagreed violently with one another." 

The historical account of Lincoln's presidency shows us that his leadership was not perfect.  Occasionally, Lincoln selected individuals who did not complement his own leadership.  One such individual was General George B. McClellan.  He was appointed by President Lincoln as commander of the Army of the Potomac and later served as the first general-in-chief of the Union Army.

History suggests that General McClellan had significant character flaws which serve as "warning signs" to anyone in leadership.  These character flaws cost him dearly.  He lost Lincoln's confidence, his job, and a bid for the White House (against Lincoln).  Moreover, the Civil War was extended and cost numerous lives for both sides.

The book Team of Rivals is a marvelous read.  President Obama read this book after he was elected but before he was inaugurated as president. 

Extracting timeless leadership traits and lessons from Goodwin's masterpiece are unlimited.  Here are the five flaws Hyatt extracted as he read the book.

1.  Hesitating To Take Definitive Action.
 General McClellan was big on preparation.  The problem was that he was constantly preparing and according to him the Union Army was never quite ready.  He was never able to launch an attack.  When Lincoln relieved him of his duties, he said, "If General McClellan does not want to use the army, I would like to borrow it for a time."

The inability or refusal of a leader to decisively take action, impedes or slows down other leaders and members of the team.  Leaders who are worthy to lead are able to make decisions quickly, confidently and follow through on them.  That makes them leaders who are worthy to be followed.

Of course, there are always a few decisions that are major enough to require contemplation.  But remember, only the major ones require more time.

2.  Complaining About A Lack of Resources.
General McClellan constantly complained about the lack of available resources, not having enough men, that they were not paid enough, and that he didn't have enough heavy artillery.

Think about it for a minute.  As leaders we never have enough resources.  There are always one or two things we could use.  Nevertheless, great leaders know how to take the limited resources they do have and figure out how to get the job done.

How many leaders do you know like McClellan who are constantly complaining and not moving quickly enough to disseminate and utilize the resources that are available.  Often this becomes an excuse for not moving ahead to carry out the mission.  Perhaps the failure to use available resources points to interior issues within the leader himself/herself.

3.  Refusing To Take Responsibility.
Goodwin eloquently writes how McClellan constantly blamed others for his own mistakes and his reluctance to act.  And as Hyatt points out, "He was a master finger-pointer."

Strong and great leaders do not blame.  Instead, they understand they are accountable for the results and accept full responsibility for the outcomes.

4.  Abusing the Privileges of Leadership.
McClellan lived in plush accommodations while his troops struggled to survive under almost unbearable conditions.  He loved to entertain guests with elaborate dinner parties.  His extravagant lifestyle stood in stark contrast to his successor General Ulysses S. Grant, who often traveled with only a toothbrush.

5.  Engaging in Acts of Insubordination.
Once when President Lincoln came to McClellan's home to speak with the General, Lincoln waited for an hour to see him.  McClellan frequently stated he he often felt that talking with Lincoln was a waste of time.

McClellan openly and publically criticized the President.  He was passive-agressive and insolent.

As Hyatt described, "Even when Lincoln gave him a direct order, he (McClellan) found a way to avoid obeying it.  In his arrogance, he always knew better than the President and had a ready excuse to rationalize his lack of follow-through."

Unfortunately, the same character flaws afflict weak leaders today.  The best protection is self-awareness.

Do you see any of these flaws in your own leadership?  In other leaders?



Email barry at barryw@ministryindicators.com or bwinders53@cablerocket.com    to receive your free copy of reproducible leadership lessons from The Leadership Luncheon written by Barry.  He is a United Methodist pastor/leadership consultant/coach.