[November 13, 2019] We all know a good idea when we hear it, but stupid ideas seem to linger much longer than they should. Stupid ideas are those that are silly or illogical or unworkable. Stupid ideas can get you killed. For those who study the history of World War II, one of Hitler’s ideas to attack the Soviet Union was one of his dumbest.1
“One of the most important reasons for studying history is that virtually every stupid idea that is in vogue today has been tried before and proven disastrous before, time and again.” – Thomas Sowell, American economist and social theorist
The Poles of the 16th century, Napoleon of France, Charles XII of Sweden, and even Genghis Khan; all invaded Russia with similarly disastrous results. One might wonder whether the Russians have a myopic view of the West from all the trouble we’ve caused them. All failed for similar reasons which boil down to overestimating their own strength and disregarding the Russian geographical vastness.
I’ll be the first to admit, that sometimes “stupid” ideas do work. But then, is it a stupid idea if it works? We’ve all been around long enough to distinguish the good ones, from the bad. Or so we thought. I’ve always been cautious when my soldiers brought ideas to me. Regardless how dumb or offensive the idea sounds initially, I usually hear them out and ask questions to dig deeper into their logic.
Some of those ideas in the Army – which I originally thought to be stupid – turned out to be workable. Usually their thinking was on how to solve a simple but burdensome problem. I rewarded those who could solve problems. I even allowed some ideas to be tested, when I knew they would fail. You must have some faith in your soldiers; allowing them to fail is part of taking care of them.
I had my share of stupid ideas. Nearly all didn’t work out. My commanders also gave me the time, space, resources, and trust to try them out and did not bias my work with their opinions. That is part of putting leadership to the test. If a stupid idea cannot be tried, how do we know it won’t work? I learned a lot about what not to do.
As I moved up in rank and experience, those creating those dumb ideas were valuable to me and my unit. Soldiers sharpened their tools to understanding the complexities of problems we were all trying to solve. Great leaders trust. This is, ultimately, the test of whether a leader can become great or one that is just good enough.
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- Operation Barbarossa was the code name for the German invasion, launched on June 22, 1941. Ultimately, the failure of the German war machine to defeat Soviet forces in the campaign signaled a crucial turning point in the war. Historians often debate whether Hitler was in his right mind to direct his Generals to attack his own ally.
I have found that everyone is prone to error. Best to have good people around you to be a buffer to our own stupidity. Keep good people close to you and treat them very well, you will have fewer long-lasting problems in your life. Oh, and push bad people out of your circle.
I got a big laugh when I read your article, Gen Satterfield. So, thank you for reminding me of my old boss from the hardware store where I worked as a teenager and learned my first lessons in business. My boss would tell me to always treat customers like your horse; take care of them but don’t take any gruff off of them. Not a good customer service attitude.
I was drinking my morning coffee when I read you comment and nearly spit it up my nose. Your comments reminded me of the same with my sergeant when I joined the army, many years ago. Yes, I agree, a great article worth cutting out and putting on the refrig.
Wonderful article. I enjoyed the confirmation that, yes, my leaders have done ‘stupid’ things. I always wondered when I was a junior team leader why things sometimes didn’t work out like planned. Later, I figured out that maybe my boss was just being a little nutty (stupid) and had a bad plan.
Be strong when your leaders are stupid. For that is when the tough get off their ass and fix things for the better good.
You are just too funny.
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Yes, Hitler was a real crazy man but he had some ideas that actually worked and worked well. The best example was the invasion of western Europe and the fall of France. His generals advised against the invasion despite their superior tactical skills. They couldn’t believe the strategic victory they achieved and the quickness of the fall of the French govt.
I agree that Adolf Hitler was not stupid. He was what his country wanted and he was willing allow the brutal dogs of war to fulfill their desires of superiority. I find a similar thread of desire in the leftists in America. They all believe in their superiority and are willing to use any technique to fulfill their dreams. Dangerous? Absolutely.
Good analysis. I think the example used is spot-on but a more recent example would be best. I suggest we look more at what is happening in Hong Kong. Freedom should never be curtailed. That is, however, what socialism and communism does.
Until the people of the US and the West figure this out, they will continue down the road to destruction. Just ask the 100+ million killed by the Communist in the 20th century.
Another great article by Gen. Satterfield. ?
Although I’m new to this blog, I find the comments also informative. Appreciate the comment Bryan Lee. I plan to be a leader someday that those who follow me can appreciate that I’m not making really stupid mistakes.
Hi V! Welcome to General Satterfield and his leadership blog.
It is always beneficial to be a student of history, as it keeps you alive.
For those who fail to study AND understand history, the world becomes unknowable. The world is a tough place to be and if you cannot learn about the pitfalls awaiting anyone who fails to see beyond his nose, expect to lose. Victims don’t write history, they suffer it. Only the heroes can see above them.
Thank you, Army Captain.