There are so many ways that the term “old-school” is used. Old-school style, old-school techniques, old school values, old school Rock & Roll.
For some it’s a term of endearment, for others a source of pride. Not for everyone though, some resist the term old-school as it describes too much of a traditional approach.
In the Leadership business though, there are certain old-school elements that when mixed in appropriately with our new, modern approach can have lasting positive impacts. These impacts can be felt by aspiring leaders, experienced leaders, & all who follow them.
Major C.A. Bach’s 1917 speech on Leadership
Major Christian Albert “C.A.” Bach was a United States Army Officer who is famous for his 1917 speech on Leadership that he delivered to graduating Officer Candidates at Fort Sheridan. This speech on Leadership is still widely regarded, & often referred back to, as one of the best speeches on Leadership.
Amazing. A speech delivered during World War I, more than 100 years ago, still resonates. Still has staying power. Still reverberates throughout the Leadership community.
Here are some of the thoughts on Leadership that Major Bach delivered that day in 1917 to the aspiring, soon-to-be, Military leaders along with some ways that these apply in today’s world:
- As a leader your actions, words, appearance, & behaviors are all being watched & emulated by your people. Leaders are always being watched (& studied) by their people. If you, as the Leader, are doing the right things then that will trickle down. Same goes if you are doing the wrong things.
- When you become an Officer, that makes you an Officer, not necessarily a Leader. In today’s terms – Leadership isn’t because of a title or position. Your position (in this case Officer) is exactly that. Being a great leader, as an Officer, happens with your actions, words, practices, & behaviors.
- As a Leader it is far more important to impress those who are leading rather than those who are leading you. Don’t “sell out” your team or your people for the sake of impressing the boss. Be true to your team & to your people. They will recognize this, & want to go to battle with you.
- Be self-confident. Confidence is gained through your actions, habits, discipline, & preparation.
- Take pride in your knowledge of your position, but also in your knowledge of those positions around you. Major Bach refers to knowing everything there is to know about the position 2 ranks ahead of your own.
- Don’t flinch or show fear. Those following you will pick up on these insecurities.
- Keep your cool. Stay calm under fire. Being frantic in frantic moments will only serve to lose credit from within your organization.
- Be a positive example for your people as they will reflect you.
- Be the 1st to self-sacrifice; be the 1st one in & the last one out.
- Put your people 1st. Always. Your people eat 1st!
- Don’t try to treat everyone the same; that is impossible. But do treat everyone fairly & justly.
- Give credit where credit is due; celebrate your people’s accomplishments. As Bach says: “The man who always takes & never gives is not a leader. He is a parasite.”
- Treat those under your care well. Never treat somebody poorly because they are a subordinate. This is a life lesson that goes far beyond any Leadership capacity or position.
- When you give direction or an assignment have the confidence to stick with that direction unless it becomes obvious that a change is necessary for the good of all. Constantly changing plans or direction will only unsettle the team.
- Be prepared! Do your homework, & be ready to make quick decisions in tough moments.
- Have self-respect; if you show up to work dirty, unkempt then how do you think your people will show up to work?
- Assume the responsibility for your own actions, & behaviors. If your directions or orders don’t work then it is your responsibility. In today’s sports world a great example would be the Head Coach taking the blame after a loss, but after the win that same Head Coach giving the credit for the win to their players.
- Don’t ask anything from your people that you aren’t willing to do yourself.
- Study your people & get to know them, what makes them work, how they think.
Withstanding the test of time
The advice from Major Bach withstands the test of time. As the Leadership industry continues to evolve & grow it is important that we take the time to reflect back on some of the ideologies passed down by those before us. Mixing in some of today’s modern Leadership practices with some of yesterday’s “old-school” teachings can be advantageous to any aspiring leader as well as any experienced leader.
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Prior to his time with Kashbox, JP spent 28 years as an NCAA Lacrosse Coach (22 years as a Head Coach). During that span, JP had the opportunity to coach with & against some of the top lacrosse coaches in the country.
Early in his speech Bach addresses that there are 2 types of people in nearly every professional field – leaders & followers. To take this sentiment a step further, every professional field can draw from the others. As an example, leaders in the music industry can learn from leaders in the finance world & vice-versa.
It would be silly not to take valuable lessons learned from another field & not put them to use within your own field. The same would be true to not take valuable lessons learned from another period of time, & that is clearly the case with Bach’s 1917 speech. Even though it is now over 100 years old, the lessons learned & advice given throughout Major C.A. Bach’s speech resonates to this day.
Know your Men, Know your Business, Know Yourself
Major Bach ends his famous 1917 speech on Leadership with, “Know your men, know your business, know yourself.”
Brilliantly said. Succinct & efficient.
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Regardless of whether I was just launching a career in Leadership or if I was already firmly entrenched in a Leadership position with years of experience I’d focus on these 3 areas to become a better, stronger Leader:
- “Know your men.” To lead a group of people you must, as the leader, take the ime to get to know them. Collectively & individually. Without knowing your people, how they think, & what makes them tick then there will be no chance to organize, encourage, & inspire them on the mission at hand.
- “Know your business.” As the leader it is imperative to know what it is you are dealing with. If you are the leader of the organization, then know every detail of that organization. No detail is too small, no task too menial. Know your business, but also the business of those around you. The more you know, the better you can serve those around you.
- “Know yourself”. If you can’t lead yourself then who can you lead? If you can’t take care of yourself then who can you take care of? Lead within to lead outwardly. Be true to yourself, so that you can be true to others.
Major Bach’s words of wisdom were important for his generation in 1917, just like they are today for our generation in 2026. Soon to be Military Officers in the US Army fighting in World War I could use this Leadership wisdom just like leaders in today’s world can apply it in their given professional fields.
So, as we look forward to today & tomorrow, don’t be afraid to learn from those in the past. After all, we all stand on the shoulders of giants…….
Along with his responsibilities as an NCAA Coach, JP has also been a small-business owner for the past 22 years. He founded & built a successful lacrosse camp business that, in addition to camps, expanded into travel teams, clinics, lessons, & consultations.
In both of his careers as an NCAA Coach & small-business owner, JP has helped to teach, coach, mentor, & develop hundreds of players & coaches.
