I am currently (still...) reading a biography of Adolf Hitler. I began this book because Hitler's story intrigued me. He was a man that went from absolute poverty to being one of the most powerful men of his time. Now before you jump to any conclusions, I too am of the opinion that Hilter was a wicked and evil man, and I do not throw those words around lightly, but aside from all of the evil surrounding him, his rise to power is remarkable to say the least. Regardless though, of his ability to master the mob he still ended a failure (thankfully). His aspirations were left unfulfilled.
It seems to me that Hitler had at his disposal the resources to accomplish all that he desired. The one thing that thwarted him time and again, however, was his inability to listen to those around him. Constantly his naval command tried to suggest courses of action that he would ignore. History shows that they were right just about every time. Hitler was deceived by his previous successes in diplomacy. He was lifted up by pride and blind to the value of the counsel his military advisers offered.
That is something I feel that the Lord has highlighted for me as I read this book. Hitler was a gifted leader. He had vision, determination, and passion. He was also a man of great intuition. I feel awkward acknowledging these attributes in such a tyrant. I am not praising him. Rather these are merely observations about his ability as a leader. The greatest weakness of a leader, however, can be too much dependence upon his greatest strengths. That was certainly Hitler's weakness. His strengths had lead to great success, but they also lead him to disregard the counsel of others. This lead to even greater failure.
One very important attribute of leadership that Hitler seemed to be lacking is the ability to understand, acknowledge and even embrace the idea that we all have limitations. No leader is capable of having all of the right answers, nor will he/she be able to consider all angles, and all leaders would do well to consider the counsel of others - especially those particularly qualified to counsel in specific areas due to certification or experience. Don't make Hitler's folly your own. His work needed to fail. Our Lord's work needs to go forward.
It seems to me that Hitler had at his disposal the resources to accomplish all that he desired. The one thing that thwarted him time and again, however, was his inability to listen to those around him. Constantly his naval command tried to suggest courses of action that he would ignore. History shows that they were right just about every time. Hitler was deceived by his previous successes in diplomacy. He was lifted up by pride and blind to the value of the counsel his military advisers offered.
That is something I feel that the Lord has highlighted for me as I read this book. Hitler was a gifted leader. He had vision, determination, and passion. He was also a man of great intuition. I feel awkward acknowledging these attributes in such a tyrant. I am not praising him. Rather these are merely observations about his ability as a leader. The greatest weakness of a leader, however, can be too much dependence upon his greatest strengths. That was certainly Hitler's weakness. His strengths had lead to great success, but they also lead him to disregard the counsel of others. This lead to even greater failure.
One very important attribute of leadership that Hitler seemed to be lacking is the ability to understand, acknowledge and even embrace the idea that we all have limitations. No leader is capable of having all of the right answers, nor will he/she be able to consider all angles, and all leaders would do well to consider the counsel of others - especially those particularly qualified to counsel in specific areas due to certification or experience. Don't make Hitler's folly your own. His work needed to fail. Our Lord's work needs to go forward.
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