By Erin Johnson
As General Norman Schwarzkopf strode into the room, the stern yet compassionate depth in his eyes and the noble tilt of his chin instantly commanded a sense of unquestionable patriotism and awed respect.
Perhaps it was this unwavering dignity that captured the attention of audience members at Franklin Covey”s 8th Annual International Symposium the afternoon of Thursday October 11 in the Salt Palace.
As a renowned leader in both Desert Storm and in civil non-profit organizations, Schwarzkopf spoke of the essential role of good leadership in times of crisis.
“In times of crisis, it”s character that counts,” he said.
Schwarzkopf reminded audience members, made up of respected and well-known business leaders from around the world, that everyone is a leader, whether in the business world, a church organization or in their own home.
When trying to define leadership, Schwarzkopf said he struggled with the Webster”s dictionary definition that defined a leader as everything from a plant shoot to a dictator.
“According to this, a leader can be a turnip green or a politician, which may be a redundant statement,” he said.
Schwarzkopf did succeed, however, in giving his own definition of leadership saying, “Leaders lead people, human beings with hopes and dreams and ambitions.”
He also added that he knows personally the great challenge of leadership, which he defines as being able to “inspire people to willingly do that which they ordinarily would not do.”
Throughout his speech, Schwarzkopf reminded audience members that the single most important quality of a good leader is character.
“The ethical climate of an organization is established by the leader of that organization,” he said.
Schwarzkopf also outlined his two secrets for successful 21st century leadership.
“When placed in command, take charge,” he advised, “and do what is right.”
After the attacks on Sept. 11, Schwarzkopf said these inviolable qualities of a good leader are even more important to the nation today.
“In our nation”s darkest hours, the President of the United States stood tall before the entire world,” he said of President Bush. “This man was put in command, and by golly, this man took charge.”
Schwarzkopf then placed his hand upon the American flag, detailing the many things the flag means to different people. He spoke of those who disrespect the flag, spitting on and burning the sacred symbol. He spoke of those who hide beneath its cover to justify acts of hatred. He told of men and women that see the flag as a symbol of power, technology and wealth.
“But they”re all wrong,” he said. “This flag is you, this is you. The United States of America has always been the people of America.”
Schwarzkopf expressed his great faith in the people of America and the extraordinary power the nation can have with its people solidly behind it.
“Our greatness is our people, our future will be the people, the will of the country will be the will of the people,” he said.
This future, Schwarzkopf said, is dependent on the support of the American people.
“We can never forget what happened one month ago … don”t ever forget that,” he said. “The minute your resolve starts to waiver in support of the country, remember the many people who were killed one month ago.”
As for the future of the nation in the new war against terrorism, Schwarzkopf was adamant that “we cannot fail, we will prevail.”
“It”s unlike any war we”ve fought before, but we”ll win, there”s no doubt in my mind,” he said.
Schwarzkopf also addressed questions about how America”s leaders should deal with the Taliban and with new security issues raised by the terrorist attacks. Schwarzkopf told the audience that if American”s want to keep their freedom and keep what they are, it might be necessary to adopt measures to protect the nation.
“I don”t want my civil liberties taken away, but the time may have come for a change in business,” he said.
Schwarzkopf warned audience members of the ignorance of those who commit hate crimes against Muslim Americans calling them “no better than terrorists.
As for the Taliban, Schwarzkopf said he believes nothing can appease them and the strikes were inevitable.
“The Taliban are a bunch of brutal gangsters when you get right down to it,” he said.
Schwarzkopf was the Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command and Commander of Operations during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
