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

1. Empathize and Connect with the People

Although MacArthur knew that the Japanese people must accept responsibility for the war, he neither excessively blamed them nor did he seek to punish them for their leaders' actions. Instead, he quickly communicated his intention to alleviate their sufferings and add to their freedoms. He established himself as a benevolent yet authoritative leader.

MacArthur enlisted the entire occupation army in his quest to “win the hearts and minds” of the Japanese. He refused a War Department missive to restrict fraternization and encouraged the American soldiers to meet and mingle with the people of Japan. “They are our ambassadors,” said MacArthur of the troops. “They are our true ambassadors.”