Captain’s List — Robert Gould Shaw #54

Corsair’s Profiles in Leadership Series

The captains of fiction and history have much to teach us. They are leaders who often serve in times of great challenge and turmoil. Articles in this series focus on an individual captain and utilizes their quotes, their writings, and their actions to inspire core leadership elements in all of us.

First Captain

Those of you who are Civil War buffs or just fans of the movie Glory, may be thinking “here we go again”. This series has been known to take some liberties around the ranks and titles of its subjects. But not this time! When Robert Shaw first agreed to command the Civil Wars first all black unit — he was in fact a Captain. Promotions followed…

As the first man to lead such a regiment, Shaw would face a very unique set of challenges. His leadership and strength of principles were first rate, too. Even at that, he would likely be uncomfortable that this article bares his name and not the name of his men.

Equality

Some make the mistake believing abolition was about equality for all. It simply wasn’t. Many on the side of abolishing slavery were doing so for moral reasons, but not necessarily their belief that all men were created equal. Adding to that, the military, while often a meritocracy, is an institution that has never been based on equality. At the beginning of the Civil War, it wasn’t even a meritocracy — so for Shaw to stand so adamantly on behalf his men was a bold act indeed.

It began with pay. Colored soldiers were given less than their white counterparts. When Shaw’s early protests fell on deaf ears, he and his men refused their pay until it was made equal. Cynics will note that Shaw came from a wealthy family, but he was standing not only against prejudice but also military tradition. So perhaps the loss of pay mattered less to him, but the impact on his reputation and career were felt doubly so.

Most business leaders don’t lead in such troubled times, but inequality in corporate culture remains. It is really no longer about pay (sorry social justice warriors) as most corporation have standardized job descriptions and compensation structures. But what remains at many companies are archaic protocols and cultural hierarchies. When executives don’t mix with front line employees, there is a real lack of leadership.

Unity

Shaw’s story was not just a fight for equality. In viewing his men as equals, he also created a strong sense of unity. Again, this was special in a time when the officer’s corp dressed different, slept different, ate different, and were treated different — even in all-white units.

Shaw came to view his men as his friends. His regiment’s morale was built on a sense of unity. Shaw’s memorial is engraved with the following:

“Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends”

Note — this is not what is engraved upon his grave. Shaw was buried in a mass grave along side the other men from his regiment who had fallen. Confederate officers believed this to be an insult to this historic leader. In reality, he may have considered it an honor.

Shaw led his men to Glory. His focus on equality and unity created a strong connection with his men. His regiment served bravely at the assault on Fort Wagner. They spearheaded the assault on July 18th and despite the loss of their Captain (now Colonel) were able to breach the forts walls. Heavy casualties would drive them back, but history would remember their bravery and the leadership of their fallen commander.