Lessons from
Little Bighorn
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
2-day or 3-day format
(Shown for Billings, Montana)
Day #1
8:00 am
History as a Metaphor for Contemporary Change
Set the stage with an overview of the course and a memorable way of studying
leadership. Can we find parallels from history to today’s workplace issues?
Then take a new look at some of the lessons from America’s history, particularly
its rapid growth and the expansion of the West. Are there parallels between the
kinds of change we are currently experiencing and those of the 1800s?
Dealing with Rapid Change in the Workplace
How have recent structure and technology changes affected your people? Are
you, as a leader, spending your time in the most effective ways? Do your
employees understand your priorities and your values? Are they focused on the
most important issues?
10:30 am
Values: The Core of an Organization
Examine the values of the Plains Indians and how those values were
communicated at various levels. How does your own organizational
structure encourage or hamper the communication of
values/vision/goals?
12:00 pm
Tour: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Board a bus for our trip to the site of one of the most famous battles in U.S.
history. The battlefield is located in Crow Agency, Montana, about an hour and
a half from Billings. The hills provide vast perspectives on the battle, and the
area looks today much as it did in 1876. Following the tour, you will have time
to visit the national cemetery, interpretive center, Last Stand Hill, and the new
Indian Memorial.
Box lunches will be provided on the bus ride to the battlefield.
Day #2
8:00 am
Lessons from the Battlefield
Working in teams, evaluate the leaders on both sides of the battle and discuss the
dramatically different leadership styles of the key combatants.
Communications Tools for Today’s Leaders
Using the successful models of leadership from the Battle of Little Bighorn,
examine the tools of leading by example, using rituals and symbols, and tailoring
communications for various audiences. Evaluate the tools that you use most
frequently and effectively, and decide which could help improve your
persuasiveness.
12:00 pm
Lunch on your own
1:00 pm
Understanding Organizational Cultures
Compare and contrast the cultures of the Plains Indians and the Euro-Americans
who were moving West. Could their two cultures exist side-by-side? What
different cultures exist within your own organization and the various groups you
interact with?
2:00 pm
Sitting Bull: Healer, Orator, Man of Action
As a strong role model of the effective leader, Sitting Bull illustrates the variety
of ways to draw people together, altering his leadership style to match the
interests of various groups, from the fiery young warriors to the cautious elders.
Which styles of leadership can you use to begin to get your various groups
focused on a common goal:
3:00 pm
Contract for Change
Set your personal goals and make your commitment to change, based on the
Lessons from Little Bighorn.
4:30 pm
Wrap-up