July 2nd, 1863 was one of the most important evenings in American history. It was the end of the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.
On this evening two meetings took place. Both of which were focused on the central question of…
“What are we going to do tomorrow?”
At Robert E. Lee’s headquarters this meeting only has one person in attendance. Lee does not seek any advice from anyone. He only consults himself and decides on a front assault we now know as Pickett’s Charge.
About a mile away from Lee’s headquarters is a small house where General Meade is meeting with his nine subordinate commanders.
Meade has only been in command for four days. Many of his subordinates probably thought they were a lot smarter than him.
They discuss and weigh three options.
We can stay and defend.
We can attack.
We can retreat
After arguing about these options for a while his chief of staff, Butterfield suggest they vote. They vote in reverse order. Meaning, the most junior officer votes first. Then, they vote one at a time to the most senior ranking officer. They do this to ensure that the more junior commanders are not influenced by the decision of a more senior member. They decide to stay and defend cemetery ridge against the confederate Army
From what I have read and studied of Meade I believe that this is what Meade was going to do – stay and defend.
Since he had only been in command for a few days Meade felt the need to draw from his subordinates to build some consensus and trust.
The following day, July 3rd, 1863, Pickett’s Charge happened. Pickett’s Charge started at 3 pm and was over in just an hour. 1 in every 3 men is dead, missing, or never seen again resulting in 30% casualties in 1 short and history-changing hour. It was an event which forever changed the trajectory of the Civil War and our history. And, it was based on two decisions made in two very different ways.
We make decisions one of two ways – using our intuition or using information. Sometimes we make decisions using a combination of both depending on the type of decision, how much time we have, and the consequences of the decision.
Lee was using his intuition. A form of decision-making that had worked very well for him up until this point. He never asked for casualty figures or how much ammunition his troops had left. He simply “trusted his gut.”
Meade on the other hand used informed decision-making. In addition to getting input from his subordinates he asked about casualty numbers, how much food and ammunition they had. He even asked about his troop’s morale.
Next time you are faced with a decision use Meade’s 2-step decision-making approach.
Step 1 – Ask Questions & Gather Information: For example….What resources do we have? What resources are lacking? What’s the budget? Do we have the adequate workforce? What is the morale?
Get curious and ask as many people as you can. As junior people, ask senior people, and everyone in between.
And, after you have their answers ask them this. “Are there other questions I should ask that I didn’t?”
Asking this final question does two important things.
First, you may get some information or perspective you would have never considered.
Second, by asking for their opinion just took the first step towards buy-in.
Now, whatever decisions you make or direction you take chances are that person will be on board.
Step 2 – Take a Vote: Meade’s strategy of voting from junior to senior person is a creative approach.
Of course, this strategy doesn’t lend itself to all decisions and every situation. However, I think we should give it a try when appropriate.
If you don’t find yourself in a small stone house in the middle of a battlefield with nine voters, like Meade did, consider getting your “votes” during your information gathering stage.
Or, with the use of free and simple technology you can send out an anonymous survey.
For a low-tech version you can also have everyone write their thought or opinion on a piece of paper and collect them. Folks can hold them up during Zoom meeting if you’re still remote.
Regardless of HOW you do it, letting people share their voice and opinion can make a big difference in how supportive they are of your final decision.
Need practice?
Consider using this 2-part strategy with your family.
When trying to decide on where to go for vacation or which camp to attend. What to have for dinner or where to get take-out from. Ask questions, gather information, and hold a vote.
Just makes sure they know….
You have veto power!
Want to learn more about this day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee and Meade, plus, other leaders who made an impact? Check out this book excerpt from Battle Tested!