The story of Harold Russell is new to me but after learning about him in Light from Many Lamps (Watson, 1951) I’m reminded again of the power of gratitude even when facing significant struggles. It is humbling to learn this story of a young man full of courage and willing to go to war for his country, injured to the point where he loses his hands and comes face to face with a new reality of how the rest of his life will look.
The leadership lessons in this story are many – perseverance, adaptability, determination. The key to all of those, as I read this story, is not from Harold Russell himself but instead from Charley McGonegal, the injured World War 1 Major who helped shift Russell’s perspective, to see “that the first and greatest obstacle he had to overcome was himself” (Watson, 1951, p. 89). The Major’s ability to help Russell see his weakness as an opportunity to discover new strength was the turning point for the injured soldier.
Leaders help followers see beyond present circumstances and I’m impacted by this story to remember that even in difficult, dire circumstances leaders have a responsibility to envision a new future which may have never been possible without these difficulties. Cynicism and hopelessness don’t have to be the default responses and I’m reminded of some current situations where I have the opportunity as a leader to help people see a better future.
Russell himself is even surprised by his own ability, inspired by McGonegal’s encouragement. “But the thing I never cease to marvel at is that I was able to meet the challenge of utter disaster and master it” (Watson, 1951, p. 92). The story of Harold Russell could have been so different after losing his hands without the incredible reminder from Charley McGonegal.
Reference
Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster.