Robert E. Lee (the general of the Confederate forces during the American Civil War) said this: "I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself." Why did he say that? Perhaps it was something in his experience as a general? or was it something else?
2007-04-10 18:35:11 · 3 answers · asked by bllindgrls 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Lee was a great military leader and understood what leadership was about. He was speaking of the value of self-discipline, a quality he always sought to perfect in himself and others under his command.
By the way, I generally am supportive of the Union in the Civil War, but I respect Lee as a great American and a great military officer.
2007-04-10 18:45:45 · answer #1 · answered by Warren D 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Lee believed that the heart of leadership was to "Lead Through Example."
Therefore, if the person in charge couldn't control himself, how could he ask his subordinates to control themselves.
You lead by example --that's it.
2007-04-10 22:41:24 · answer #2 · answered by Jack 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As a leader one has to teach and what he was saying was "The man who cannot control himself, can never control others". The leader who is not loyal to his trust, and to his associates, those above him, could never be a leader. God Bless You and our Southern People. Thank-you for the question!
2007-04-11 00:17:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋