Churchill was in the thick of it. Germany had invaded Poland, and Hitler wanted nothing more than to dominate Europe.
Churchill, the Prime Minister of England, kept appealing to his friend in America, the President of the United States. FDR knew the mood at home was not to get involved. But Winston Churchill could see what was coming. He didn’t put his head in the sand or avoid facing reality. He knew Great Britain would have to fight for her very existence — and she would need help to win the war.
On June 9, 1940, the Prime Minister reported to the House of Commons to give a national update on the status of the war and what Britain was facing.
Churchill knew FDR would be listening.
He also knew Hitler would have an ear to the radio.
Not only did Churchill have to appeal to the American President and put the Führer on notice — he had to rally the military of England, give hope to Europe, and assure the people of Great Britain that they would emerge victorious and that life on their island would continue.
Churchill stepped to the podium and delivered one of the most powerful speeches in human history. It ended with this famous section:
“The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.
Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.
We shall go on to the end.
We shall fight in France.
We shall fight on the seas and oceans.
We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air.
We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be.
We shall fight on the beaches.
We shall fight on the landing grounds.
We shall fight in the fields and in the streets.
We shall fight in the hills.
We shall never surrender…
And even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.”
Churchill’s speech didn’t win the war.
But it did prepare Great Britain for the battle ahead.
From this speech, Hitler knew Churchill and the military would not surrender or agree to a truce. This was a fight to the death. FDR heard a call for help. He eventually joined his friend in the cause, and together the Allies defeated evil.
What Churchill said didn’t win the war — but it inspired and prepared everyone for what was to come.
What Does This Mean for Us as Leaders?
Pep talks don’t pay the bills.
They don’t put deposits in the bank or close a deal.
But they can inspire and equip the team responsible for doing those things.
Churchill’s goal wasn’t to make everyone feel good. He had to win. Read the speech and you’ll see a clear vision — a relentless desire to win.
As leaders, we must be clear: we are here to win.
Our speeches and talks are not meant to simply make people feel good. They are meant to equip, inspire, coach, and correct. If that allows someone to feel good, that’s a bonus.
But we’re here to win.
To win, the talks we give our teams must include:
- A reality check of where we are
- The obstacles we’re facing
- What it will take to win the day
Bottom line: we must be like Churchill.
Our role as leaders requires us to be bold, brave, clear, and determined.
Get up from your desk and give your team hope.
Give them a clear picture of the future.
Help them understand the fight it will take to be successful.
And when you’re done?
Get to work equipping the team to win the battles that lie ahead.
Pep talks don’t pay the bills.
But they can help you and your team take the first step toward being more successful than you ever thought imaginable.
Creating Unparalleled Experiences,
Chris Adams
