Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity

General George S. Patton was a legendary figure in American military history, known for his bold leadership and strategic brilliance during World War II. He was a firm believer in the power of individual initiative and creativity, and his famous quote, "Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity," reflects his philosophy of leadership.

Patton understood that micromanaging and dictating every detail of a plan or operation could stifle the creativity and initiative of his subordinates. Instead, he believed in giving his troops clear objectives and goals, and then allowing them the freedom to figure out the best way to achieve them. This approach not only empowered his soldiers to think for themselves and take ownership of their actions, but it also allowed them to tap into their own unique skills and talents.

One of the key reasons for Patton's success as a military leader was his ability to inspire and motivate his troops to perform at their best. By trusting his soldiers to use their ingenuity and creativity to solve problems and overcome obstacles, Patton was able to unleash their full potential and achieve remarkable results on the battlefield.

Patton's leadership style was not without its critics, as some saw his approach as reckless and overly aggressive. However, there is no denying the effectiveness of his methods, as evidenced by his numerous victories and successful campaigns during World War II.