If you haven’t yet seen the new film directed by Angelina Jolie, Unbroken, or read the book of the same name by Laura Hillenbrand, you may not even know Louis Zamperini’s name. But you should. The story of Zamperini’s life holds enough drama for half a dozen movies. It also conveys leadership lessons on perseverance, courage, teamwork, and faith that we all should learn and apply.
Growing up as a troublemaker and often running from the police, Louis’s older brother decided to mold him into a true runner. After joining his high school track team, Zamperini quickly discovered a gift for long-distance running—setting a national high school record for the mile in 1934 (4:21) and becoming (at 19) the youngest qualifier in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
An Air Force bombardier during World War II, he survived a crash at sea followed by 47 harrowing days adrift in a raft with two crewmates before being captured by Japanese troops. He spent the next two years enduring beatings and other unimaginable hardships as a prisoner of war.
Zamperini survived and made his way home, where a new torture began. He struggled with nightmares, anger, alcoholism, and depression until he found forgiveness for his captors after a religious conversion at a Billy Graham crusade in 1949. For the next 65 years, he lived a life of humble service.
He was an amazing example of a true leader, traveling the world telling his story everywhere from classrooms to stadiums. He kept running into his 90s—even carrying the Olympic torch for a leg of the Nagano relay in 1998! He remained joyfully active until his death last summer at the age of 97.
Leaders should see the wisdom born of his heroism, perseverance, and courage. Some samples:
- “Never give up, no matter what.” Long-distance running rewards endurance and a refusal to throw in the towel even more than speed. It’s a sport that requires strategy, pacing, and absolute resolution—the same factors that can lead to success in any undertaking.
- “Self-esteem can’t win you a race if you’re not in shape.” Zamperini brought legendary discipline to his training. By one account, he learned of an opponents’ regimen and promptly doubled it for himself. Putting in the time and energy needed to prepare as well as you possibly can is the first step to any successful effort.
- “One moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory.” Whether training for a race or enduring his mistreatment as a POW, Zamperini knew that one key to overcoming short-term hardship is to focus on the big picture and keep the finish line in mind. Too often these days, we give in to the temptation to settle for a short-term benefit—but the best decisions come from remembering what you’re working to accomplish.
- “When you forgive, healing takes place.” As part of his recovery, Zamperini returned to Japan and met with many of his captors from the POW camp—some who were now themselves in prison as war criminals—and embraced them to express the forgiveness that had saved him from his own bitterness and anger. At some point, we all encounter bad behavior—whether it’s deliberate cruelty, the betrayal of a trusted partner, or just an everyday slight in the workplace. Forgiveness is never easy, but it’s necessesary to begin healing and overcoming.
One final quote comes not from Zamperini but from Unbroken director Angelina Jolie, speaking of her friend and neighbor: “No one is born a hero. They become a hero through their choices.” As you make your own leadership choices, remember to pause and reflect where they are leading you and where they are leading others.
Quote sources:
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/06/26/4-lessons-in-manliness-from-louis-zamperini/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/207905.Louis_Zamperini
