A Parable
A Roman general was leading his legions toward the enemy in a swampy country. He knew that the next day’s battle would be fought on a certain plain because it was the only dry place for miles.
He pushed his army all night, marching them through a frightening and formidable swamp, so that they reached the battle site before the foe and could claim the high ground.
In the aftermath of victory, the general called his troops together and asked them, “Brothers, when did we win the battle?”
One captain replied, “Sir, when the infantry attacked.”
Another said, “Sir, we won when the cavalry broke through.”
“No,” said the general. “We won the battle the night before—when our men marched through that swamp and took the high ground.” — Steven Pressfield
A Simple Reminder from the Conference:
As you may recall, we learned together that the Battle of Gettysburg was a struggle for the high ground–Cemetery Hill with the eastern ridge to Culps Hill and the long southern ridge to the Round Tops.
Leaders on both sides recognized the advantages of good high ground at Gettysburg. Union forces got there first and held it through three days of battle.
Similarly, if we can occupy the high ground where we lead today, we can win the battle tomorrow.
As you may remember, we often discussed the advantages of high ground:
- High ground gives you greater visibility.
- High ground gives you the force of gravity.
- High ground gives you morale.
Where are the places that give you visibility, gravity, and morale? Are you taking people there?