developing today’s business leaders
for tomorrow’s challenges
through history’s lessons
BATTLEFIELD LEADERSHIP - ANTIETAM LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
General Information
The September 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam still stands as the bloodiest day of battle in American history. Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s brazen invasion of Northern territory was
aimed at a demoralizing defeat of the Union Army of the Potomac and an opportunity to
prompt foreign intervention from Great Britain or France in support of the Confederacy. The
story of how the Union army chanced upon a lost copy of Lee’s Special Order 191, which detailed his separation of his army and his plans for attack, and forced Lee to modify his planned
operation in keeping with the parts of his army available to him at the time the Union moved
to counter the plans outlined in the captured Special Order, is a vivid case study for contemporary corporate environments in which the planned execution of strategy is frequently altered
by changes in the external environment.
The lessons of adaptive leadership driving organizational agility, maintaining strategic focus
despite rapidly changing tactical realities, managing risk while capitalizing on momentum and
boldly pursuing opportunity, leveraging limited resources to address unexpected competitive
initiatives, and ensuring aligned action in the face of abrupt developments are compellingly
conveyed by the events of September 15-17, 1862 which culminate in the Battle of Antietam.
The developmental aspect of leadership is also highlighted by the study of several officers on
both sides who later assume command responsibilities of the highest order in key battles in the
Civil War.
Case Studies
Case studies will focus on: the contrasting leadership of Union commander George McClellan and Confederate commander
Robert E. Lee, with an egotistical McClellan, focusing on the threat within versus the external reality, tightly controlling and
cautiously deploying abundant resources and a humble Lee encouraging collaboration and shrewdly maneuvering limited resources to divert or defeat competitive inroads; the determination of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and
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developing today’s business leaders
for tomorrow’s challenges
through history’s lessons
Union General John Sedgwick, with Jackson improvising tactically and deploying strategically in line with Lee’s intent and
Sedgwick doggedly pursuing his assault plan in spite of unexpected obstacles and signs that an adjustment was needed; Union
Generals Bull Sumner and Confederate General D.H. Hill, with Sumner blindly advancing to drive intended results, and Hill
creatively capitalizing on opportunities and inspiring others to action in the face of overwhelming opposition; Union General
Ambrose Burnside, whose early success created a disregard for continuing intelligence, a lack of improvisation and a tendency
to follow the paths of least resistance in planning, and a tendency for fragmented utilization of resources and piecemeal execution; and, Confederate General A.P. Hill, whose initiative and rapid commitment of resources above and beyond his direct authorization led to the prevention of the Confederate Army’s defeat.
Leadership Lessons
Dimensions of leadership especially highlighted during the experience include:

Establishing clarity of intent and expectations in a highly fluid environment

Setting the context for collaboration and improvisation

Leveraging resources for effective execution

Balancing strategic awareness with tactical focus

Managing risk while exploiting opportunity aggressively

Gaining enrollment and commitment versus consent and compliance

Creating a mission-first, self-interest-last performance mindset

Infusing urgency into operational processes
Program Formats
Programs can be designed to fit the following formats:
A two-day program delivered over three days, beginning at 5:30 PM on the evening of Day One with a strategic overview, with
the next day on the battlefield with an After-Action Review (AAR) back at the lodging facility as Day Two, and the morning
of Day Three on the battlefield with a working lunch and final AAR back at the lodging facility.
A 1.5-day program delivered over two days, beginning with a strategic overview over lunch on Day One, the afternoon on the
battlefield with a brief AAR at the lodging facility before dinner, six hours of Day Two on the battlefield followed by the
final AAR at the lodging facility – either followed by departure, or a final dinner and departure early morning of Day Three.
A one-day plus program, beginning with a strategic overview at 5:30 PM the first evening, dinner and overnight at the lodging
facility, a full day on the battlefield the next day, and a final AAR at the lodging facility with a 4:30-5:00 PM departure.
A one-day program, beginning with a strategic overview at breakfast, five hours on the battlefield, and a final AAR at the meeting facility, with departure by 5:30 PM.
The first format above is the standard program offering and is especially recommended for groups wanting to achieve a significant
level of teambuilding as a part of the process.
Recommended Conference Center Facilities
Our preferred lodging site is the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WV, approximately 5-10 minutes south of the Battlefield at
Sharpsburg, MD. A picturesque and luxurious lodging facility with a distinctly European flair and excellent food, the Inn sits
on the grounds once part of the Battle of Shepherdstown, fought by Union regulars against the Confederate rear guard as Lee’s
army crossed the Potomac River into Virginia.
Transportation
For programs utilizing the Bavarian Inn, Washington’s Dulles airport is the most convenient major airport, being 50 miles from
Shepherdstown. Hagerstown (MD) Regional airport is closer at 27 miles, but flights are less frequent and typically more expensive. All on-site transportation is provided by Battlefield Leadership. Rental cars are available at both airports, and car
service can be individually arranged through vetted providers sourced through Battlefield Leadership.
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