The Calmness of General Grant

Leadership

I love reading about ordinary people who had an impact on our world that was far beyond their apparent abilities. Ulysses S. Grant was one of those people. His story is fascinating. He never wanted to be a soldier, but fate had a different plan. He entered West Point as a young man without means and was surrounded by cadets of far more privilege. He wasn't much of a student either, but his fellow classmates respected him. He didn't shroud himself in fancy talk, clothes, or image, instead he allowed his character to tell the story of his life.

On the battlefield, he didn't necessarily agree with every mission, but he did his duty. The qualities that set him apart the most, however, were his courage and calmness. When difficulties swarmed around him, he didn't panic. He knew his mission, stayed calm, resolute, and forged ahead.

I found an important lesson in this: It is essential to control your emotions and stay calm in the middle of a storm so that you can think properly and act wisely. Too often, I see people fly off the handle when the heat turns up. It seems like they believe louder and faster is better. Some people get so caught up in other people's emotions that they bend from what they know is right and impatiently move in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, sometimes….that person is me, and I always regret it. It is important to slow down, breathe deeply, think clearly, and then act appropriately.

"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness." (Proverbs 14:29)

Wisdom is not an emotional reaction. It emerges in the fruit of a calm mind and heart. Whether in the boardroom, on the ball field, in the office, or around the dinner table, stay calm, think, and respond. That allows you to honor others, gain perspective, filter through your own convictions, and confidently move in the right direction. Emotionally charged reactions can lead to devastating results.