Rommel was jumpy, wanted to do everything at once, then lost interest. Rommel was my superior in command in Normandy. I cannot say Rommel wasn't a good general. When successful, he was good; during reverses, he became depressed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A subordinate describes Rommel's volatile leadership style, noting his effectiveness in success versus depression in failure.
- In plain terms
- Rommel was energetic but inconsistent, performing well when winning but losing morale when losing.
- What can you take from it?
- Leadership effectiveness can depend heavily on current success rates.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does success mask leadership flaws?
- How should leaders handle reverses?
Another view
This is a secondhand account that may reflect personal bias.
More from Erwin Rommel
We have a very daring and skillful opponent against us, and, may I say across the havoc of war, a great General.
Permalink to quote #23 He was the best leader of fast-moving troops but only up to army level. Above that level it was too much for him. Rommel was given too much responsibility. He …
Permalink to quote #25 If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it.
Permalink to quote #22
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