[ duty H honor H country ] GEORGIA H BY LEON “LEE” ELLIS

Learning Leadership in

he POW camps of were mitments and then be on guard lest our selfishness crucibles, revealing both the mettle of or fears take us off course. leaders and powerful lessons that are es- Clarify and build the culture. Traditionally, Tsential for successful leadership today. As a junior military organizations have a distinct culture. The ranking first lieutenant in those camps, I learned POW group in Hanoi was no exception, but it did about leadership from the masters. not come without sacrifice. The enemy tried every Many of our senior ranking officers (SROs) were way possible to isolate us and keep us from forming from “The Greatest Generation.” Air Force Lieu- a cohesive unit. Anyone caught communicating or tenant Robbie Risner and Majors Larry giving direction to others was isolated, beaten and Guarino and Bud Day had served in World War II. often tortured. We fought back, taking risks dai- Commanders Jim Stockdale and Jeremiah Denton ly to stay connected. In spite of enemy efforts and were commissioned from the Naval Academy at the prison obstacles, great leadership and the Code of end of that war and a good num- Conduct kept us united. Over ber of our group had served in the time, our leaders built a culture . These experienced, around the motto, “Return with battle-hardened men stepped for- Honor.” The vision and values ward time and again to lead the captured in those three words POWs through the fire of torture guided our behaviors and even- and abuse. Their example of lead- tually became reality. ing with honor was instructive The importance of a strong then and is just as much so now. culture to mission success is not Let’s take a look at what it means limited to the military and POW to lead with honor. camps. Most all highly success- Know yourself. Our SROs had ful organizations are intention- very different personalities with dif- al about creating and building a ferent strengths and struggles, but strong culture. Just study com- they knew who they were and what panies like Southwest Airlines, they stood for—which gave them great inner strength IBM, Google, Zappos.com, NASCAR and most and genuine humility—a potent combination in any successful athletic teams and you’ll see how culture scenario, especially when facing torture and isolation. unifies efforts and minimizes negative behaviors. In the long days of quiet reflection, we all got to know Great leaders know this and focus on culture. ourselves at the deepest levels. And whether it was be- Confront your doubts and fears. Courage is an es- ing locked up with another person in a tiny cell for sential characteristic for great leadership and there was no years or facing a threat from our captors, we could not shortage of it among the POW leaders. Though often pretend—the unrelenting vulnerability of POW life in handcuffs and leg irons so tight they cut deeply into revealed our true selves. the skin, they looked the enemy in the eye and said, “No Guard your character. Even when you think you deal.” After being tortured to meet with a communist know yourself, you can’t assume your character. More press delegation, Commander Denton faced the camera, than 98 percent of POWs were faithful, but sadly a reaffirmed his faith in the U.S. government, and while very few let us down. Three senior officers were re- answering questions about living conditions, blinked moved from command eligibility because they put T-O-R-T-U-R-E in Morse Code—at great risk to him- self-comfort and security above the team and duty. self—telling our government about our treatment. Sadly, many around us who claim they have high in- As a leadership coach, I’ve found that doubts Retired Colonel tegrity fail when faced with choosing between self and fears are the most significant challenge leaders Leon “Lee” Ellis today. and duty. We have to be very clear about our com- face. Courage is the only solution. The best coach-

26 | www.uso.org If I become a , I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. ... If I am senior, I will take command. If I am not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me, and will back them up in every way.—Article IV of the Military Code of Conduct

ing I can give is this simple mantra: “Lean into the pain We of your fears and do the right can thank thing.” We almost always know the POW leaders the right thing to do and when we for giving us living les- don’t there is usually someone we can sons. They had the courage to go consult to get clarity. first into the crucible. Their example set the Whether at home, at work or in a POW camp, gold standard from which we can learn so much. H living and leading with honor is not easy. These four —Leon “Lee” Ellis is a speaker, author and lead- lessons will increase success. ership coach. In his recent book, Leading With POWs are released March Know yourself, accept yourself and then grow to Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi 14, 1973, at Hanoi Gia a higher level of effectiveness. Hilton, he shares stories from his experiences as a Lam Airport, including Guard your character. If you haven’t noticed it’s Vietnam POW and highlights leadership lessons Senator John McCain, hard, you’re in trouble. learned in the camps. Ellis, who retired from the then a Navy Lieutenant Clarify and build the culture. Clarity about pur- Air Force with the rank of colonel, is president of Commander, front right. pose, values and acceptable behaviors is essential for Leadership Freedom LLC and has consulted in Fellow POW, Lee Ellis success, at work and at home. the areas of hiring, teambuilding, executive de- is seen three behind Confront your doubts and fears. Without cour- velopment and succession planning for more than McCain. Photos courtesy age, you’ll get off course and not be able to consistent- 15 years. For more information, please visit www. of Air Force Colonel Lee ly succeed in the first three points above. leadingwithhonor.com. Ellis (Ret.)

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