[August 10, 2014] An old military axiom is to “never underestimate your enemy”. The British underestimated General Washington and in 1777 the Brits lost the Battle of Princeton when they thought Washington had been defeated and was fleeing. The British General Cornwallis said, “We’ve got the old fox safe now. We’ll go over and bag him in the morning.” Before that could happen Washington surprisingly attacked and routed the British at their Princeton garrison.1 A version of this is, “never underestimate the competition.”
Whether in military, business, or sports, underestimating the competition can lead to defeat, failure, or loss. Classics are written about the failure of militaries and societies underestimating others. The Greek army’s use of a huge wooden horse as a subterfuge to enter the city of Troy is a classic tale. There are many stories from the past and the lesson for leaders is clear. Respect the abilities of those opposing or competing against you, else you unnecessarily put your organization at risk.
It is of interest that all leaders are fully aware of this axiom. Nearly everyone today knows many stories about the defeat of those who failed to adhere to the lessons of the past. Yet, this same mistake continues to be made even by the best of leaders. A look at the headlines in the media today shows how Israel, the United States, and Russia, all have seriously underestimated enemies.
What separates the greatest leaders from other high ranking leaders is that they never fall for the attraction to disrespect the enemy and subsequently underestimate them. Underestimating the competition shows a level of elitism and a defect in the character of leaders. Self-confidence is important in any leader but when taken to the extreme is a flaw in the leader’s character.
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[1] http://newsonlineat.blogspot.com/2013/01/never-underestimate-your-enemy-general.html