The story of Eddie Rickenbacker’s survival from the plane crash in October 1942 and subsequent three weeks at sea is a compelling tale of leadership in the midst of a very uncertain circumstance (Watson, 1951, pg. 62-68). While he and his companions were drifting at sea with no food or water and baking from the Pacific sun, Eddie rose to leadership of the group and was the one who encouraged them to not lose hope, devised strategies for survival, and attempted rescue options. When one considers the leadership qualities he demonstrated in this situation, several come to mind.
First of all, Eddie was a keen visionary, thus demonstrating strong conceptual leadership skills, as well as traits such as determination, and self confidence (Northouse, 2019) He had full confidence throughout the ordeal that they would be saved. In his personal recounting of the event, Rickenbacker (1943) stated that “in all truth at no time did I ever doubt that we would be saved” (pg. 13).
He was so keenly confident in a rescue that he adapted his leadership according to the response of the men in his care. At times, he provided direction with strategies for survival, at other times, had to provide supportive leadership to keep the spirits of the men up (Northouse, 2019). As time went on, he provided less direction and more supportive leadership. It was said that once the men became despondent, and Rickenbacker had tried everything, he even resorted to lashing out with criticism to the point where:
One of the men called him the meanest and most cantankerous SOB he had ever known and that one of the men had sworn an oath that they would continue living, hoping for the pleasure of burying him at sea (“Eddie Rickenbacker and Six Other People Survive a B-17 Crash and Three Weeks Lost in Pacific Ocean”, n.d.).
He did what needed to be done in order to keep his men alive.
Reikenbacker demonstrated elements of both Transformational Leadership and Servant Leadership throughout the ordeal. He was transformational in that he inspired motivation through vision, was a positive role model, and encouraged others to think outside the box to solve problems. However, he was stronger as a servant leader, as overall, his main priority was to consider the needs of his followers. He provided vision for them, gained their credibility and trust, had one to one communication with them, and knew the strengths and weaknesses of each one (VanDierendonck, 2014). He was willing to learn from others, and had them contribute to the process. For instance, he admitted that he was not a religious man, but had learned the Lord’s Prayer and followed the Golden Rule (Reikenbaker, 1943 pg. 10). He had always been conscious of God. Thus, when he discovered one of the men had a New Testament in his jumper, he followed his example of faith, and initiated morning and evening prayers (Rickenbacker, 1943, pg. 7, 8). This lead to raising their spirits and the subsequent miracle of a seagull landing on his head, providing the food they needed to survive (Reickenbacker, 1943, p. 11).
Overall, Reikenbacker rose to the challenge of leadership in a time of uncertainty. He did what needed to be done to lead his group to safety. As VanDierendonck et al’s (2014) study proved, in this situation, “what leaders do does not matter, as long as they do something” (pg. 560). Reikenbacker focused on the needs of the group with all his decisions, to the point where he has had widespread social impact. For instance, Alcohol Anonymous was inspired by his leadership and included the first of Twelve Traditions because of his influence (“Eddie Rickenbacker”, n.d.). “Our common welfare should come first. Personal recovery depends upon AA unity” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 2002).
I can learn from Reikenbacker that by focusing on the needs of the group and with strong vision, insurmountable odds can be overcome. Both are needed and as the circumstance changes, more of one than the other. In my context, I see a lot of educational change and flux in school procedure. This creates significant unease with teachers who, at times, can be immovable in their practice. By considering Riekenbacker’s example, I see how important it is to keep the vision and purpose always at the front. As a Christian leader, this includes a vision that is based on biblical principles and upheld by faith. Teachers have to know what they are working towards as they wrestle through change. As a leader, it is my job to always have at the forefront the end point of our goal. As I journey with others together towards that point, I can bring in strong directives for practice, while also developing the strengths they demonstrate and share them with the group. Then, as a group, through relying on all our strengths, we will end up achieving the goal which we set out to achieve.
Alcoholics Anonymous (2002) Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Hazelden.
Eddie Rickenbacker and Six Other People Survive a B-17 Crash and Three Weeks Lost in Pacific Ocean. (n.d.) In Historynet. Retrieved from http://www.historynet.com/eddie-rickenbacker-and-six-other-people-survive-a-b-17-crash-and-three-weeks-lost-in-the-pacific-ocean.htm
Eddie Rickenbacker. (n.d.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Rickenbacker#Adrift_at_sea
Northouse, P. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Rickenbacker, E. (1943). Seven Came Through. New York, NY: Double Day Books.
VanDierendonck, D., Stam, D., Boersma, P., deWindt, N., Alkema, J. (2014) Same difference? Exploring the differential mechanisms linking servant leadership and transformational leadership to follower outcomes. The Leadership Quarterly, 25, 544-562.
Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster.