dispatches from the new world of work

Honoring Lord Nelson

I loved Bologna! I especially loved the 700 execs and owners of "SMEs" (Small and Medium-size Enterprises) who attended my seminar—we all had a ball. (Well, I surely did).

Alas, I had to cut and run. Why? Because the 21st of October was winding down. AND COME HELL &/or HIGH WATER I HAD TO MAKE IT TO LONDON BEFORE MIDNIGHT! Last Friday was the 200th anniversary of the greatest naval battle in history. Lord Nelson destroyed the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar, ended Napoleon's hopes of invading England, and effectively ushered in a multi-century Anglo-Saxon reign (including Britain's American inheritors of the mantle). I served, as an American midshipman, ever so briefly in the Royal Navy in 1965 (HMS Tiger); I am an avid if not professional student of Nelson ... and was damn well going to make it to Trafalgar Square and salute the Admiral before midnight. (In honor of Nelson, my entire London speech on Tuesday was built around Nelson's leadership skills. I got a perverse kick out of being the Yank who taught the Brits Nelson!)

Bottom line: Despite delays of various flavors ... I made it ... arriving at 11:35 p.m. to be precise. And, yup, standing in T. Square on Friday night gave me a major dose of chills ... on a warm evening.

Tom Peters posted this on 10/23/05.

Comments

Somehow you just never would have come across the same without a bit of the grit from your military background. We salute you!

Posted by Steve at October 24, 2005 12:18 AM

"England expects every man etc" .... If only Horatio had known he was to have such a profound effect on our friends over the pond Tom! - Trafalgar Square at times of celebration is a unique place to be :-) I was born about 40 miles from Nelson birthplace and it is surprising in many ways that he is not celebrated more over here. Maybe that is our British tendency to â€˜undersellâ€™ ourselves. This came over very strongly recently when a Brit naval crew rescued the Russian submariners at the bottom of the Ocean. As the rest of the world seemed to be whooping up the celebration I recall the Brit Naval Officer who led the incredible rescue mission when interviewed on Sky News playing it all down with a hugely modest and professional remark. He was asked whether he was delighted with the outcome; he replied something like "Yes but that is our job â€“ that is what we train forâ€ â€“ No histrionics, no fuss, just typical pragmatic British workmanlike attitude. That sort of achievement and that sort of attitude gives us Brits a warm inner glow. Bring on the next challenge!

Posted by Trevor Gay at October 24, 2005 2:08 AM

"England expects every man."

Actually Nelson's crews were made up of many different nationalities. Americans, Germans, French (not kidding), English, Scots, Irish Men AND women (women were not officially aboard!).

Ironically more of them would have responded to "Nelson Expects" rather than "England Expects". Many sailers had a rather hazy view of patriotism.

As well as remembering and learning from Nelson's amazing leadership and personaly chrisma it's also worth thinking about the crews that made the victory possible. These men spent years at sea in often appalling conditions (something the French who were blockaded could not do) - consequently they were hardened and very very good. Gunnery reload speeds often twice as fast as the opposition. That does not come from leadership theory or good ideas it comes through practice, practice, practice - it's all about execution.

Posted by PaulH at October 24, 2005 2:57 AM

Nelson is remembered among military historians and other history "buffs" over here as well as in Britain. Most don't remember, however, that Nelson gave the "last full measure" of his devotion that day. It would have been interesting to see what his later years would have brought him if he hadn't died at Trafalgar.

Posted by Mike at October 24, 2005 6:02 AM

Ed, thanks for the link. I am always disappointed in surveys like this. Looks like "we" will always confuse "getting the job" with "getting the job DONE!"

Posted by Phil Bowers at October 24, 2005 7:41 AM

WOW - thanks for that link Ed - is there any wonder Finance is such a bore!! 'Anyone with a personality need not apply' it seems. At long last I see proof of something I have been saying for years. And yes some of my best freinds are accountants with personalities! Mine is not a personal comment about accountants - many of whom I like, respect and admire for their technical skills. It is just my personal reflection on the accounting profession - it is still stuck in the old days when accountants knew the cost of everything and the value of nothing as the quote goes. I would darely love to think that has changed .. I fear not.

Posted by Trevor Gay at October 24, 2005 8:36 AM

Thanks for great blog...Tom...

Wanna know when will you update another 50 ways to help you secceed/make money?

I can't help but visit your blog everyday waiting your secrets......

from Korea......AN H I

Posted by ansi at October 24, 2005 8:09 PM

Ed, I join in thanks for the link. I've been beating on CFOs for years. Think of how much more fun it will be with actual data!

Posted by tom peters at October 25, 2005 6:25 AM

Just read the latest posting at HBS Working Knowledge. Near the end there is mention of a book about naval leadership since the 16th century and their review mentions Horatio Nelson. It also notes that warfare in general has moved away from front-line command control. Nelson is given credit for using a de-centralized management / leadership approach as a part of his victory.

http://workingknowledge.hbs.edu/book-review.jhtml?t=bizhistory&id=5044

Posted by MikeC at October 25, 2005 11:46 AM

Not surprised you're teaching Brits about Nelson, Tom. My kids did NOTHING about Nelson, not even mention it on the 21st, at school (7 y/o in case you wonder). Instead they were treated to standard English, a bit of maths and some "science" about what was / was not healthy food. OK, fine for a moment - but when are we going to celebrate 200 years again (clue - NEVER!)

Fortunately they have a father who is PASSIONATE about knowing where he comes from and what's made him (er me) me. I hope my passion rubs off on them and they refuse to accept the mediocre rubbish spoon sped by poorly paid, poorly motivated, controlled from the centre teachers and GO FIND THINGS OUT FOR THEMSELVES.

Posted by Ross A Hall at November 3, 2005 8:42 AM