Which of Washington's actions impressed you the most?

Which of Washington's actions mentioned in the book impressed you the most?

I was impressed that he listened to Henry Knox's plan to get the cannons from an empty fort in upstate New York and reposition them in Boston. And, then, despite the misgivings of some of his senior officers that the feat would not be possible, that Washington gave the order to proceed.

I was impressed with his forbearance in the face of so many disheartening situations. He took things in stride and went on with the business of the day.

Washington's dedication to duty and civility are to be greatly admired. His humility which was emphasized by the author caused most of his soldiers to respect him. This is a trait of all great leaders--lead by example and dignity.

Washington’s decision to follow Henry Knox’s plan to bring the cannons down from Fort Ticonderoga and also his plan to get his soldiers to safety after the Battle of Brooklyn started. His decision to move his soldiers out of the area at nightfall during a downpour completely fooled the British.

Washington s action that impressed me most is when he ensured all his troops were off the island and sailing back to New York before he would himself departed the island.

Carla a’s point about Washington ensuring all his troops were safely off Brooklyn Heights was very impressive and certainly meant a lot to his troops who saw him risk his own life for their lives. Many leadership books identify skills of a good leader that include strong communicator, visionary, motivator, etc. One leadership skill infrequently touched on is that of a servant leader who is unselfish and who puts the needs of others above all else. I’m not sure that there are many leaders today who could or would be willing to sacrifice their own life for the lives of so many other people.

I admired just his stubbornness and belief in what he was doing! His decision to approve Henry Knox's plan was impressive in his trust and willingness to listen to others as well as not despairing in the fact he had to actually build an army, not just lead it.

I agree with most here, his leadership skills to listen, decide the best course of action and to act …always leading by example. That takes true courage

I found Joannev’s observation about Washington’s “stubbornness” interesting. I just had a discussion with someone who’s read many books about Washington and asked whether he’d read anything about Washington violating his “110 rules of civility” or whether Washington ever had a moment where he just let someone have a piece of his mind. He said he could not recall any such instance. It boggles my my mind that Washington built his army from nothing and then led his troops for 8 years against many odds while remaining a person with the utmost integrity. I’m curious if anyone has ever read of a situation in which Washington displayed more than stubbornness noted in Joannev’s response.

I was impressed by how he stuck with his position in the face of so many obstacles. Many other people would just have given up and he was determined to persevere.

I think what impresses the most is that even in the face of adversity, Washington was able to get his troops out of sticky situations to fight another day. And there is the fact that he was willing to sacrifice his own life for his men, e.g. when he was the last one to get on the boats they were using to escape the British.

So many of his actions were amazing examples of his integrity, his tenacity, and his ability to build and lead the army. I was personally impressed that he made sure all soldiers were on the boats first.