No Substitute for Victory: Lessons in Strategy and Leadership from General Douglas Macarthur

Chapter 15. Be Aggressive in Defense

At one time or another, organizations inevitably find themselves in a defensive position. Perhaps their markets and/or customer base come under competitive attack or (in the case of the military) their nation and/or allies are invaded. No matter what the circumstances, great leaders understand that the only effective defense is an aggressive defense.

MacArthur never relished being forced into a defensive position, and he preached that preparedness was the best way to dissuade potential enemies from undertaking attacks. But when attacked, he was always an aggressive defensive fighter. In his mind, a passive defense was tantamount to defeat.

MacArthur pointed to the Maginot Line, a vast series of defensive tunnels ...