Damn the Torpedoes!

Embroidered on the back of the Navy helmets at the Army-Navy game this year was the famous Navy battle cry: “Damn the Torpedoes! Full speed ahead.” That’s the battle order by Admiral Farragut for his ships to charge forward at full speed as they fought their way into Mobile Bay during the Civil War. That determination won the battle.

There are other famous battle cries that reveal the American spirit of determination: “I have not yet begun to fight!” (John Paul Jones – Revolutionary War), “Don’t give up the ship!” (James Lawrence – War of 1812), “Nuts!” (Anthony McAuliff – WW II Battle of the Bulge).

Determination to succeed in battle or business results in a strong work ethic, a clear sense of mission and goals, and a big dose of enthusiasm. Companies with determined workers can have a big competitive advantage over those that don’t.

It was a good thing Navy had “Damn the Torpedoes” on their helmets to keep them determined. They needed all the determination they could muster to beat a very good Army team.
Good leaders instill determination in crews and employees long before it becomes obviously necessary to succeed. Damn the Torpedoes! Applying Naval Leadership Principles to Business can help managers become leaders in instilling determination in themselves and their employees.