The Tiger Tank
In the last few months of WWII, the Allies were busy pushing into Berlin where they hoped to put the finishing touches on Adolph Hitler’s defeat. They didn’t plan on a last ditch effort from Germany’s tank battalions.
Up to this point, the Americans were able to own the battlefield with their light, maneuverable Sherman tanks. But, as is often the case in American manufacturing, we failed to plan on foreign competition. The Germans developed two new tank models, the Tiger and the Panther. These were heavily armored and had a much bigger gun. One shot from their 88 MM cannon could shoot through a concrete wall and blow up a Sherman on the other side of it.
So how did we defeat the superior Tigers and Panthers? One German tank commander commented after the war:
“One Tiger could destroy 10 Shermans. But the Americans always brought 11.”
I’ve realized that most of my pressing problems aren’t really that big. Most of the problem is in my head, agonizing over a hard decision that has to be made. A simple mindset shift can fix that. My high school football coach called that process “getting your mind right.”
But what about bigger problems? That might be a clue to attack with overwhelming effort.
- Need to convince your Boss your idea is a good one? Present massive amounts of data.
- Have a troublesome employee that needs to be bounced out of your organization? Compile massive amounts of documentation.
- Having trouble getting a promotion? Perform a massive amount of great work to demonstrate your qualifications.
In most cases, an overwhelming problem produces the kind of anxiety that makes us stop in fear and not do anything. Why not take a step back and mobilize every possible resource you can to get what you need?
Two or three Shermans stood no chance against a superior enemy but 11 did the trick. This week, start thinking about where to find that 11th“Sherman” that can fight alongside you.