Overview
The turning-point battle of the American Civil War was fought in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1863. More than 165,000 men of the Union Army of the Potomac and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia were engaged in fighting around this central Pennsylvania town. The battle took place during the first three days of July and resulted in an estimated 51,000 casualties. In human terms, this battle was the most costly single engagement of the four-year war. President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, offered on November 19, 1863 during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, is remembered as one of the most notable orations ever offered in the English language.
A study of the Gettysburg campaign produces notable examples of strategic leadership models and significant actions, both negative and positive, that were driven by tactical leadership decisions. There are stunning examples of both leadership successes and failures. They provide vivid and consequential illustrations of effective and ineffective leadership initiatives at both the personal and organizational levels.
Logistics
Summary of Topics
Seminars and keynote presentations in the Leadership Under Fire series, each offer their own distinctive leadership lessons and insights. Those lessons and insights are based on specific historical events, occurrences, and trends. They are discussed and unified as they relate to three critical attributes common among great leaders—Accessibility, Reliability, and Commitment. When brought together, those attributes are the basis of an ARC leadership model.
Gettysburg was a crucible in which 19th-century political, military, and interpersonal leadership were tested in the intense heat of battle. Today, it remains an incomparable venue for studying leadership lessons that are as vivid and powerful as they are timelessly applicable. These lessons provide relevant and compelling leadership insights worthy of emulation at both the personal and organizational levels. Examples of these captivating and historically-based lessons include:
Participate Feedback
“Anyone who is part of a leadership team owes it to that team to experience the work of Dr. Michael McGough. His seminars are wonderfully prepared, considerate of the participants with whom he’s working, and grounded in his experience as an educator. His storytelling, his keen understanding of the work leaders do, and his knowledge of history captivates participants. He astutely draws participants into his seminars, creating an interactive experience focused on practical application of the lessons shared.”
Dr. Eric Eshbach, Executive Director
Pennsylvania Principals Association
“Dr. McGough possesses a unique insight and understanding of leadership. He takes a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to the study of historical events, which he purposefully relates to contemporary leadership demands and opportunities. When engaged with my teams, he worked with diverse, multigenerational groups. He was consistently able to enhance our leadership skills, while at the same time building increased cohesion among our team members.”
Charles “Chip” Duncan
Fire Chief
Carlsbad, California
“Dr. McGough’s seminars have been an annual highpoint for the visiting Fellows in our International Fellowship program. His knowledge, expertise, and presentation style provide real world examples as Fellows seek to employ his strategies and techniques directly into their personal and professional journeys.”
Dr. Leila Bradaschia
Director of International Programs
Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania
Overview
Those who have held the highest office in the land have led the nation through good times and bad, through war and in peace, through periods of growth and development, and through times of stress and conflict. The basic outline for the presidency is found in Article II of the United States Constitution. Several constitutional amendments have brought changes to the original design of the executive branch. Those change have helped to maintain the relevancy of the presidency since its creation in the late 18th century.
Few, if any, leadership roles offer the massive challenges and enormous opportunities faced daily by the President of the United States. Through 47 administrations, 45 individual presidents have brought their own unique style to what many consider the most powerful and influential office ever created by man. Although some have affected the office far more than others, each of our presidents have contributed to the enduring legacy of the office. The lessons on leadership provided by the presidents are a central element of their legacy. A rich sampling of those lessons forms the base upon which this seminar and keynote are built.
Logistics
Summary of Topics
Seminars and keynote presentations in the Leadership Under Fire series, each offer their own distinctive leadership lessons and insights. Those lessons and insights are based on specific historical events, occurrences, and trends. They are discussed and unified as they relate to three critical attributes common among great leaders—Accessibility, Reliability, and Commitment. When brought together, those attributes are the basis of an ARC leadership model.
This presidential leadership experience taps into the personal, professional, and political characters and dispositions of the 45 individuals who have served as our nation’s chef executive. Historically focused attention is given to the unique leadership styles individual presidents have brought to the office. Notable presidential decisions and actions are thoughtfully examined. They are then used to illustrate and demonstrate how those who have served have turned strategic thinking into tactical action. The lessons offered are poignantly applicable to 21st century leaders in virtually any field of endeavor. Examples of these formidable and historically-based lessons include:
Participate Feedback
“Our administrative team at Annville-Cleona School District had the extraordinary opportunity to delve into the profound leadership lessons drawn from the Gettysburg battlefield commanders, Washington DC presidents, and the heroes of Flight 93 through Dr. Mike McGough’s engaging seminars. The experiences have been nothing short of transformative.
Dr. McGough masterfully wove together historical insights with contemporary leadership strategies, providing us with practical tools to enhance our roles as educational leaders. One of the most impactful takeaways was the ARC model—being Accessible, Reliable, and Committed. Dr. McGough’s passion for these timeless qualities challenged us to reflect on how we can embody them daily in service to our students, staff, and community.
The seminars not only inspired but empowered us to integrate these historical leadership principles into the fabric of our district’s mission to Engage, Inspire, and Empower. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Mike’s expertise and the opportunity to apply these powerful lessons to create a lasting impact within our schools.”
Dr. Krista M. Antonis, Superintendent
Annville-Cleona School District
Annville, Pennsylvania
“Dr. McGough’s seminars are engaging, thought provoking, and continue to provide meaningful connections for our leadership team and the challenges we face today. Mike’s ability to bring history to life and directly translate the lessons learned from historic leaders to modern day applicability is simply amazing. Dr. McGough’s seminar is certain to be the highlight of any leadership retreat!”
Dr. Kevin Peart, Superintendent
Lampeter-Strasburg School District
Lampeter, Pennsylvania
“Dr. Mike McGough has been an invaluable partner to our Virginia Commonwealth University Humphrey Fellowship Program, consistently delivering transformative workshops and seminars on leadership for our mid-career international scholars. Dr. Mike’s dynamic storytelling and encyclopedic knowledge of history transport participants into the past, illuminating timeless leadership lessons.
Whether guiding Fellows through the intricacies of presidential decision-making or illustrating leadership under fire at historical battlefields, he inspires reflection and personal growth. His engaging, interactive approach makes history relevant to contemporary global leadership challenges,leaving a lasting impact on all who learn from him.”
Heather Ashton
Assistant Coordinator, Humphrey Fellowship Program
Department of Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Overview
September 11, 2001, not unlike December 7, 1941, is a date that will “. . . live in infamy.” Hindsight demonstrates that there were several warnings and numerous indicators that terrorism, both in scope and intensity, was growing and changing. Nonetheless, the catastrophic events of 9/11 shocked the world and rocked the sensibility of the United States regarding the contemporary realities of global terrorism. This seminar focuses on Flight 93, within the greater context of the tragic events of 9/11.
Because of an unanticipated delay in their departure time, the passengers and crew onboard United Fight 93 found themselves in what can only be described as a fatal struggle between good and evil. Selflessly, they chose to do that which was good and right. Knowing that their lives were to be sacrificed, they acted to prevent additional loss of life. By so doing they thwarted plans that could have produced catastrophic worldwide consequences. One historian concluded that, “The crew and passengers of Flight 93, may well have spared humankind from the impact of a conflict that could easily have become another world war.”
Logistics
Summary of Topics
ARC Leadership
Seminars and keynote presentations in the Leadership Under Fire series, each offer their own distinctive leadership lessons and insights. Those lessons and insights are based on specific historical events, occurrences, and trends. They are discussed and unified as they relate to three critical attributes common among great leaders—Accessibility, Reliability, and Commitment. When brought together, those attributes are the basis of an ARC leadership model.
Flight 93 Lessons & Insights
This seminar affords participants the opportunity to look at the story of 9/11 with a focus on the fateful end of United Flight 93 near Stoystown, Pennsylvania. Leadership lessons are richly illustrated through events and actions leading up to, during, and following that day. Those lessons afford worthy models of both organizational and personal successes and failures. Attention is given to attributes of strong leaders, strategic leadership initiatives, and tactical actions to address strategies, meet goals, and fulfill missions. Examples of these captivating, historically-based lessons include:
Participate Feedback
“Our leadership team has engaged with Dr. McGough for three years. Participating in his leadership development programs rooted in historical context has been transformative. By studying the decisions and strategies of history’s great leaders, we gained insights that are both timeless and directly applicable to modern challenges. Learning how leaders navigated
crises, motivated their teams, and turned vision into action showed us new perspectives that traditional business training often overlooks. This approach grounded in history didn’t just teach us what outstanding leadership looks like – it helped us understand why certain decisions resonate and endure. We feel equipped with a more strategic mindset and a deeper
appreciation for the importance of resilience and foresight in leadership. Highly recommended for anyone ready to elevate their leadership skills in a truly unique way!”
Dr. Amy Arcurio
Superintendent
Greater Johnstown School District
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
“Dr. McGough has been a tremendous influence in my career as an Emergency Services Professional, an instructor, and in my personal life as well. His ability to connect with people, and connect people to others, is a gift that many professionals can benefit and learn from. Our personnel have a tremendous amount of respect for him and find his leadership lessons interesting and of value on both a personal and professional level. The preparation and attention to detail that he puts into his programs are evident in the high quality of the final product. Regardless of your industry or position, Dr. McGough has something to offer everyone he engages.”
Daniel J. Hoff
Fire Chief
York Area United Fire and Rescue
York, Pennsylvania
“Our experience with Leadership Under Fire seminars provided by Mike McGough have been amazing. The lessons and insights provided are all historically based, and they offer essential guidance for today’s leaders. Dr. Mike’s historical narratives and associated lessons have proven to be fascinating to my team. A seminar with him is a powerful experience that I highly recommend for everyone.”
Dr. Gregg Paladina
Superintendent
New Castle Area School District
New Castle, Pennsylvania
A frequently overlooked aspect of leadership is how leaders lead themselves. One of the critical attributes of most successful leaders is a skill set necessary to be a successfully personal leader. This keynote and seminar offers practical strategies and techniques to enhance personal leadership. The stark reality and undeniable truth of the relationship between personal leadership and personal well-being is clearly illustrated time and again throughout this seminar.
A single core belief is the base upon which this seminar rests. Simply stated, that belief is, “You are not the most powerful person in the world, but you are the most powerful person in your world!” Building on that simple belief, participants look at three critical aspects of their daily lives. These include: Interpersonal Relationships, Time Management, and Care of the Self. Throughout this interactive keynote and seminar, participants are challenged to look at these three aspects of life and consider the degree to which they currently engage in active personal leadership, and how they can enhance and expand their active personal leadership.
The strategies and techniques presented in this seminar are offered from a whole-person perspective. Understanding that a change in one aspect of a person’s life undoubtedly affects the others, participants are encouraged to consider all phases of their lives and recognize their interrelatedness. An understanding and appreciation for this perspective lies at the very heart of successful, long-term, personal leadership, and one’s ability to lead others.