One of the best examples of success via optimism is Sir Winston Churchill.
His candor, wit, and belief in building up others helped him lead England from the darkest shadows of WWII to victory over Nazi Germany.
It's not just my opinion, here are several others:
When Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of England, German air force was "dumping planeload after planeload of bombs on England" at all hours of the day or night. "No one knew whether the British empire would be able to hold out for another week."
Despite the bleak outlook of the Nazis running over France, Belgium, and Holland. Joseph P. Kennedy, the American ambassador in London, "told Washington that Britain was finished."
Cameron C. Taylor wrote," In the mists of the gloom and turmoil and in the face of what seemed to others like impossible odds, Churchill took office with optimism and determination." (*8 Attributes of Great Achievers by Cameron C. Taylor)
Churchill understood the power of optimism to set the foundation for victory.
On the day he took office, Churchill wrote, "I felt as though I were walking with destiny that my past life had been but a preparation for this hour for this trial... and I was sure I should not fail."
Churchill's key to his courage "was his unbounded optimism," Optimists are courageous as they depend on the hope "that dangers and hazards can be overcome."
In 1910, Churchill said, "I am one of those who believe that the world is going to get better and better." He "deprecated negative thinking". In 1916, in "a speech to his officers in the trenches in France, Churchill exhorted: 'Laugh a little, and teach your men to laugh... If you can't smile, grin. If you can't grin, keep out of the way till you can.'"
On May 13, 1940, Churchill gave his first speech as Prime Minister to the House of Commons. He said, "You ask, What is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory... victory in spite of all the terror, victory however long and hard the road may be... with all the strength that God can give us... I take up my task with buoyancy and hope, I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail."(Winston Churchill, The Second World War, Volume II, Their Finest Hour)
Just after becoming Prime Minister in 1940, Churchill "was advised of a doomsday plan to be implemented in the event of a full-scale German invasion of Britain." He "would not permit contingency planning for failure, knowing it would inevitably leak out and breed pessimism."
The plan: "The royal family and top members of the government would be evacuated to Canada. Churchill flatly vetoed the proposal adding, 'We shall make them rue the day they try to invade our island'" (Celia Sandys and Jonathan Littman, "We Shall Not Fail")
Even during the worst of times, Churchill remained optimistic and confident that they would achieve victory.
During a B.B.C. broadcast, Churchill proclaimed: "We are resolved to destroy Hitler and every vestige of the Nazi regime. From this, nothing will turn us-nothing. We will never parlay, we will never negotiate with Hitler or any of his gang. We shall fight him by land, we shall fight him by sea, we shall fight him in the air, until, with God's help, we have rid the earth of his shadow."
"Churchill not only saw reasons for hope and confidence in the darkest days of World War II but he was able to infuse his unique combination of stoicism and optimism into the very backbone of the nation, the armed services, and his own staff."
Leo Amery, a minister in Churchill's government said, 'No one ever left his cabinet without feeling a braver man.'... Great leaders bring out the inner strength that people often do not know they possess."
Churchill empowered others to be their best selves!
"Churchill's determination to never give in and his optimism that victory would be achieved enabled his country to fight boldly and courageously through tremendous difficulties and also rallied the support of other countries in the cause until victory was achieved."
The free world owes a debt of gratitude to Prime Minister Winston Churchill. At 66 years of age he inspired, motivated, and propelled his people to fight. He was a leader with a positive attitude. In the face of adversity,
On January 24, 1965 Churchill died. "Over 300,000 people passed by his casket and millions watched the funeral proceedings" by television paying "their final respects to the man who helped change the course of history."
Churchill presided over one of the great and most dramatic turning points of civilization. His actions were pivotal in the shaping of the world that we live in today.
"He knew that if he could rally the mind, spirit, and heart of the British people, they would eventually emerge victorious. Churchill not only saved Britain from defeat but now in retrospect, he saved democracy as a form of government in the world. Here was truly a single individual whose life made a profound difference to everyone on our planet." Hyrum W. Smith, What Matters Most (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000).
What 3 lessons on leadership did Prime Minister Winston Churchill teach?
1) Be optimistic and confident. "Bring out the inner strength of people."
2) Churchill, 'Laugh a little, and teach your men to laugh."
3) "If you can't smile, grin. If you can't grin, keep out of the way till you can."
Churchill was a builder and lifter of people.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com
