The Leadership And Command Characteristics Of Frederick II: Prussia's King
Frederick II is a man of contradictions. He earned his moniker of “Frederick the Great” by being one of 18th century’s greatest military strategist. He was Prussia's king from 1740 to 1786. During his time on the throne, Frederick increased Prussia's territories and military power. He inspired a number of leaders after him, from the famous Napoleon Bonaparte to the infamous Adolf Hitler (Frederick II Biography, 2015). To the countries he had defeated he was a despot. In contrast, in the domestic front, Frederick had a great passion for the arts. He was a believer of architecture and during his time was considered as a modern day patron of the arts. Frederick was also an accomplished flutist with over one-hundred compositions to his credit (Brendan
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He was also held in high esteem by Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler. Many German generals and strategist admired him. The blunders Frederick II experienced in his first battle taught him a lot and developed his character. During his first battle, when he was sensing that his forces were about to be defeated, Frederick II retreated and left his men. However, there was a sudden turn of events and they eventually won. He acknowledged his lapse in judgment and treated it as a learning experience. This hardened Frederick II such that during the following battles, he can be seen leading his men and standing with them until the end of the fights. There were also stories that he talked to his men during lulls in battle. Accounts said that he listened to the problems of the soldiers and promise them rewards for their devotion. By doing these, Frederick II demonstrated a character of a good leader that treats his men as his brothers such that it will command loyalty. The Prussian soldiers are battle tested and hardened. Even when they are tired, they continue to fight. Frederick II, during most of his battles, never leaves his men. He rides with them during marches and stays with them in the camps. Campaigns are very hard but he never leaves his men and shows them that even if it is hard he also does it. And his men appreciate this by proving to the world that they are among the best. He never practices discrimination. What is given to the generals is also provided to the lieutenants. These again earned for him the respect and loyalty of his
He was also held in high esteem by Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler. Many German generals and strategist admired him. The blunders Frederick II experienced in his first battle taught him a lot and developed his character. During his first battle, when he was sensing that his forces were about to be defeated, Frederick II retreated and left his men. However, there was a sudden turn of events and they eventually won. He acknowledged his lapse in judgment and treated it as a learning experience. This hardened Frederick II such that during the following battles, he can be seen leading his men and standing with them until the end of the fights. There were also stories that he talked to his men during lulls in battle. Accounts said that he listened to the problems of the soldiers and promise them rewards for their devotion. By doing these, Frederick II demonstrated a character of a good leader that treats his men as his brothers such that it will command loyalty. The Prussian soldiers are battle tested and hardened. Even when they are tired, they continue to fight. Frederick II, during most of his battles, never leaves his men. He rides with them during marches and stays with them in the camps. Campaigns are very hard but he never leaves his men and shows them that even if it is hard he also does it. And his men appreciate this by proving to the world that they are among the best. He never practices discrimination. What is given to the generals is also provided to the lieutenants. These again earned for him the respect and loyalty of his