Who Is Garcia and Why Does His Message Still Matter to Leaders?

What does a leadership essay written in 1899 have to teach today’s leaders?

In this episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks and Rob Bau unpack A Message to Garcia, the famous essay written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899 about personal initiative, duty, reliability, and getting the job done. The story follows Lieutenant Andrew Rowan, who was tasked with delivering an important message to Cuban rebel leader General García during the Spanish-American War. 

At its core, the essay highlights three powerful themes: initiative, doing what needs to be done without constant supervision; action over excuses, moving forward instead of complaining or waiting for step-by-step direction; and reliability, becoming someone others can trust to complete a difficult mission.

But Derek and Rob take the conversation further. Instead of simply demanding more initiative from your people, leaders need to ask whether they’ve created an environment where initiative can thrive. Are you giving your team the authority, responsibility, resources, trust, and clarity they need to succeed? 

They explore how micromanagement can destroy initiative, why confidence and trust must flow both ways, and why leaders should examine their own role before blaming employees for poor performance. 

The takeaway: Don’t just ask how you can find more Lieutenant Rowans. Ask what kind of leader and culture will help create them. 

You can read the full text of A Message to Garcia through Project Gutenberg.