When leaders at all levels are aligned and committed to accomplishing shared goals, their organization will outperform the competition every time. On the other hand, when leadership teams lack cohesion and alignment they will struggle even if their business has great advantages in terms of resources and brand recognition.
The pivotal Civil War Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga starkly illustrate these core principles and make them tangible for contemporary business leaders. The Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863 was the last major Confederate victory of the Civil War and in terms of casualties second only to its more famous preceding Battle of Gettysburg. Yet, this massive victory was squandered by the hapless Confederate commander, Braxton Bragg, who despite his army’s significant advantages failed to capitalize on them. The subsequent Battle of Chattanooga in November 1863 marked a major change of fortune for the Union and opened the so-called “Gateway to Atlanta,” paving the way for Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864 and the ultimate Union victory. Chickamauga stands as a monument to lost opportunity, team dysfunction, and the importance of alignment, whereas Chattanooga provides a compelling example of the power of initiative, innovation, and cohesive teams. Battlefield Leadership uses the lessons of Chickamauga and Chattanooga to equip today’s business leaders for success.
