This week we celebrate the 4th of July, The Founding of our nation. I’m embarrassed to share how little I know or the real history. Do you know who was on General Washington’s military staff? Do you know who was in his first cabinet? Was he a Mentor? Consider these facts-
Would it surprise you to learn that Washington had 32 Aide-de-camps? These were junior officers who worked long hours, very long hours. Communication was handled one of two ways; face to face or written. Washington’s Aide-de-camp carried messages, often in battle. The duties of the Aides-de-Camp were often dangerous. On the field of battle, they galloped about the battlefield delivering the General’s orders or observing the action for him. At the Battle of Monmouth, in 1778, three Aides-de-Camp, Alexander Hamilton, John Fitzgerald, and John Laurens were all wounded. On more than one occasion the Aides-de-Camp had to gallop through a hail of musket balls to force the utterly fearless Washington to retire to safety.
These 32 men were all not aides at the same time. Many went on to serve in other ways, Five Governors, Mayor of New York City, First Attorney General, US Supreme Court Judge, U.S. Commissioner, three Senators, two Congressman, Secretary of War and Treasury and a few ambassadors. Some died in battle; some died early deaths from the diseases of the war. During the American Revolutionary War, disease killed more soldiers than combat. One medical historian estimated “Of the 100,000 to 150,000 men who served in U.S. forces at one time or another, about 6,800 died in battle, while disease killed10, 000 in camp and 8,500 in British prisons.”
One such forgotten Aide was Tench Tilghmann, who carried Cornwallis’s flag and surrender papers from Yorktown to the Congress, in Philadelphia.
Mentoring, coaching and growing subordinates are among the most critical skills senior leaders demonstrate. General Washington mastered these skills early in his career. Even as he ascended to the most senior positions of leadership, his ability to bring out the best in those he led and to influence those around him was legendary. While the issues that he influenced were of great import, Washington’s subordinates and staff took note of his methods of influence, shaping their behaviors and careers in turn. Communications with senior commanders required tact, diplomacy and the ability to convey clear meaning. If anything at times Washington may have been too loyal to his staff.
In Greek mythology, was the son of Heracles and Asepsis? The personal name Mentor has been adopted in English as a term meaning someone who imparts wisdom to and shares knowledge with a less experienced colleague. Mentors are different than coaches.
According to Donna Rose Mentors:
Focuses on the individual without a specific predetermined agenda
• Is most frequently selected by the individual seeking a mentor
• Their influence is determined by the value you place on them
• Provide you with the environment for learning, finding better ways for yourself, and affirmations
o Guides and assists you in your personal growth
• Offers support, advise, and suggestions
• Asks you questions so you may dig deeper into yourself
o Rewards are in your LIFE
Celebrate the 4th and be a mentor in your Family Business
Leave a Reply