On Christmas Day 1776, General George Washington led a rag-tag group of freezing, half-starved American soldiers on a daring night crossing of the Delaware River to attack a regiment of Hessians soldiers at Trenton, N.J.  Using the element of surprise and speed, it was an audacious plan that had dire consequences; if it failed the American Revolution would likely be over.

Washington’s attack at Trenton led to subsequent battles over the British within 10 brief days. The victories turned the tide of the war in favor of the Americans and forever changed the face of world history.

This premier experience enables you and your team to explore the courageous leadership decisions made by Washington, as well as other American, Hessian and British leaders.

The Need

No matter the industry, organizations of all sizes need to be flexible, adaptable and courageous in today’s highly competitive business environment. At the same time, these competitive pressures require organizations to have a crystal clear focus of their vision, and employees that are truly committed to the cause.

The Benefits

The George Washington Leadership Program is a premier experience. It is a compelling platform to help organizations focus in on critical business and leadership elements such as:

• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Clarity of Mission
• Effective Communication
• Employee Engagement
• Team Diversity
• Personal and Team Resilience
• Courageous Decision-Making

Washington Crossing Historic Park/McConkey’s Ferry

After losing New York and every major battle during the summer of 1776, Washington and his army are forced to retreat across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania.  Whittled down from 20,000 to 2,500 men, Washington faces daily desertions, a lack of food and supplies, an army with low morale and an enemy determined to end the Revolution.  Washington’s decision to launch a surprise attack against a garrison of Hessian soldiers in Trenton on Dec. 26 is a momentous decision: If the Americans lose, the Revolution is likely over. 

Themes:  We review Washington’s background – what qualities and experiences made him the right leader at the right time to lead the American Revolution? We discuss the importance of “mission” and how to best communicate that.  We dive into the powerful concept of trust. Why did Washington decide to assign a major portion of the attack to General Nathanael Greene, who only a month before was responsible for the war’s largest loss of men and supplies up till that point.  

Trenton/Mill Hill Park

Following Washington’s stunning victory against the Hessians on Dec. 26, the Americans now braced for a second battle at Trenton.  This time, however, the upstart Yankees would be in a defensive position, their backs against the Delaware River, and facing 5,000 of the best trained British troops available.

Themes: Washington’s ability to listen and solicit advice from his direct reports is contrasted with General Cornwallis’s authoritarian and dogmatic approach. Participants also discuss the vital role of asset allocation and strategic gap identification.  The positive influence of team diversity and how to work collaboratively with others from various backgrounds and skill levels is also reviewed.

Further Support

After a one-day program is complete, we offer additional training or individual coaching to ensure the lessons learned are turned into long-term results for your team and participants.