[October 16, 2017] War is an awesome yet terrifying activity of humans. The destructiveness, especially of total war, far exceeds our intellectual abilities to fully understand it as a force that destroys. That is why it is a fundamental responsibility for senior leaders stand at the ready to protect those who would be harmed by the effects of war. The best advice for them is … to keep your powder dry.
“Trust in God and keep your powder dry.” – Oliver Cromwell addressing his army during the invasion of Ireland
The Cromwell quote is a phrase that combines both piety and practicality. Piety, reverence and the belief in God, is part of a strong belief system that can help a person stand on moral principles in their daily lives. When combined with the advice to be prepared (keeping your powder dry), they merge into a powerful force that is sage advice for any leader.
Used in everyday conversation, the meaning from its origin with Cromwell has changed little. It means more than being prepared, it also means to be able to take action yourself. These are imbedded traits in any successful leadership; thus the quote tells us two important ingredients to success in leadership.
In the movie “Keep Your Powder Dry” (1945), starring Lana Turner, Laraine Day, and Susan Peters, the lightweight scenario covers a more serious concern of the war. There was a real chance that the Axis Powers would be victorious in their military conquests and pushing the world into a darkness that no one could envision as a good thing.
The movie explores the increased visibility of women in the military and how senior military officers, like Generals Eisenhower and Marshall, knew how desperately they needed women to help in a two-front war. Military leaders were supportive of the program for women in the military which was opposed by nearly every politician at the time.
To keep your powder dry – being prepared and mentally ready – is a frequent theme discussed in theLeaderMaker.com as it is one of those bodies of wise advice that a leader ignores only at their peril. Yet we see almost daily reports about how senior political and military leaders fail in this most basic responsibility.
The U.S. Navy has had a number of deadly ship accidents that calls into question their skills at guiding their sailors to safely conduct their mission to keep the sea lanes open and free. And, the U.S. Congress has failed to pass legislation or even agree to discuss a number of looming fiscal problems that threatens the security of the United States.
Our best leaders practice preparedness and responsibility. Those who are distracted by ideology, intellectual laziness, or personal problems might miss it and fail. Even our Boy Scouts can do better.
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