When Sacrifice Becomes a Strength
When Sacrifice Becomes a Strength
What Would you Be Willing to Give Up?
“The more I help others to succeed, the more I succeed.”
— Ray Kroc (founder of McDonald’s)
When Sacrifice Becomes a Strength
Chasing Influence: Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life
It was February 28, 1943. Under the cover of darkness, 11 Norwegians slipped away on skis into the tree-covered mountains leaving fire and chaos behind them. They had just set off explosions to what used to be the largest power plant in the world. It was also the site where Germans hoped to obtain the “heavy water” they were desperate to get.
The Nazis had occupied much of Europe, and their scientists were on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. At the heart of this endeavor was the Vemork power plant in the mountains of Norway, where “heavy water”, a critical component in atomic bomb development, was being produced.
The group of Norwegian resistance fighters faced a daunting proposition. The power plant was a key industrial site, one they prized for its technological marvel and national pride. To save their own country, and perhaps shift the balance of World War II, Norwegian commandos destroyed something that held great national value.
In times of crisis, leaders are often faced with the unimaginable—making decisions that require sacrifice, not just of time or resources, but of something with great personal value. It is in these moments we find the demonstration of exemplary character. Sometimes, the only path to future success is through giving something up.
Leaders have made these gut-wrenching decisions throughout history. Before France fell to Nazi Germany, the French fleet was one of the most impressive naval forces in the world. Faced with the reality their ships would soon fall into enemy hands, French sailors scuttled their entire fleet.
When Napoleon invaded and Russian forces retreated, they employed a devastating "scorched earth" strategy. They burned their own villages, crops, and resources to deny Napoleon’s army any supplies. These were their homes, their livelihoods—their history, culture, and way of life. However, without access to food and shelter, Napoleon’s forces were greatly weakened and eventually, they gave up.
While dramatic, for coaches and leaders these lessons are significant. Sometimes, we must be willing to let go of what we hold dear to secure a greater future.
The teams we lead may grow attached to old systems, familiar routines, or even a sense of identity tied to past success. But as circumstances evolve, there may come a time when sacred cows must be abandoned in order to adapt, innovate, and survive. All leaders must ask themselves: Am I willing to sacrifice today’s comfort for tomorrow’s success?
Author Mark Gibson believes the three most important questions all winners ask are: What do I want? How am I going to get it? When am I going to do something about it?
What would you give up to move forward? Letting go of what we love isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a mark of leadership.
“There are no victories at bargain prices.”
— Dwight D. Eisenhower
Connecting this quote to the story. As seen in the story’s examples, true success often requires significant sacrifice, where leaders have to give up something precious for the greater good and long-term victory.
Chasing Influence tip: What will you do to help yourself so you can better help others?
If you enjoyed this story, a series of three Chasing Influence workbooks is available. Stories are accompanied by discussion questions and answers. Each workbook contains 33 lessons to use with any team.
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©Troy Urdahl, 2024