Harriet Tubman – Freedom Through Courage and Action

Harriet Tubman’s life is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and purpose. Born enslaved in 1822, she escaped and became a key figure in the Underground Railroad, leading 13 missions and freeing around 70 people. Known as 'Moses', she combined courage, strategy, and an unwavering moral compass to guide others to freedom. Despite her lack of formal authority, Tubman’s actions earned her immense respect, even from figures like John Brown and Frederick Douglass.

Her leadership was rooted in:

• Faith and Purpose: Tubman’s deep spirituality drove her mission, viewing her work as divinely guided.
• Practical Skills: She planned meticulously, using coded messages, disguises, and the North Star to navigate.
• Network Building: She worked with abolitionists, free Black communities, and allies like William Still and Frances Seward.
• Decisiveness: Tubman was resolute, ensuring no one turned back, even under threat.

Her story offers timeless lessons for today’s leaders: lead by example, act with conviction, and build trust through action, not titles. Tubman’s legacy reminds us that leadership is about service, courage, and staying true to your values, even in the face of immense challenges.

What Shaped Harriet Tubman's Leadership

Early Life and Key Influences

Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross in 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, endured the harsh realities of slavery from a young age. Witnessing the pain of family separations left a lasting impression on her, sparking a deep determination to reunite those torn apart. At just six years old, she was hired out for childcare and fieldwork, experiences that demanded resilience far beyond her years. By the age of 13, a severe head injury caused by an overseer's two-pound weight left her with lifelong health challenges and vivid spiritual visions.

Her mother, Rit, played a crucial role in shaping her character, instilling a strong faith and an unyielding spirit. Working alongside her father in the timber fields not only honed her practical skills but also introduced her to Black sailors who shared vital knowledge about the fight for freedom. These formative experiences laid the foundation for her unwavering resolve and the values that would guide her throughout her life.

Core Values That Defined Tubman

Tubman's early trials forged the values that became the cornerstone of her leadership: faith, determination, and a sense of collective responsibility. Her deep personal faith was a guiding force in her life, as reflected in her own words:

"I said to de Lord, I'm gwine to hole stiddy on to you, an I know you'll see me through."

This faith wasn’t passive; it drove her to seek strength and direction through prayer:

"And I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight, and that is what I always prayed for ever since."

Her head injury, though debilitating, only strengthened her resolve. She famously reasoned:

"I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other."

For Tubman, freedom was not a solitary pursuit. She believed her liberation was inseparable from the collective struggle of all enslaved people. This belief in shared responsibility became a defining aspect of her leadership.

How Purpose Shaped Her Leadership Identity

Tubman’s leadership identity grew directly from her sense of purpose. She transformed her personal suffering into a mission for collective liberation, evolving from a survivor to a leader with a clear, unshakable vision. Rather than seeing herself as the sole driver of change, she viewed her actions as guided by divine will. She expressed this humility with these words:

"It was not me, it was the Lord! I always told him 'I trust you'. I don't know where to go or what to do, But I expect you to lead me,' and He always did."

Her mission extended beyond her own freedom to the liberation of all enslaved people. The $40,000 bounty placed on her head highlighted both her effectiveness and the threat she posed to the institution of slavery. Tubman’s ability to inspire trust and loyalty came from her authenticity - she turned her personal struggles into a shared fight for freedom, demonstrating a leadership rooted in purpose and selflessness.

Courage and Planning in Action: The Underground Railroad

From Survivor to Leader

Harriet Tubman's journey from escaping slavery to becoming a key figure in the Underground Railroad is a story of extraordinary courage and determination. Her own escape gave her a deep understanding of the fears and challenges faced by those still enslaved, fuelling her resolve to help others. Over time, she made around 13 daring trips back to Maryland, rescuing approximately 70 people - many of them family and close friends. Each mission came with the enormous risk of losing her own freedom, but her bravery and commitment to others never wavered. This transformation into a leader became the foundation for her well-thought-out strategies and remarkable ability to adapt.

Methods for Success

Tubman's work as a conductor was defined by her careful planning and quick thinking. She approached each rescue mission with precision, ensuring every detail was accounted for while staying ready to adapt to unexpected challenges. Timing was critical - she often began her journeys on Saturday nights, knowing that newspapers wouldn’t report missing slaves until Monday. Winters, with their long nights, provided additional cover for her operations.

Her navigation skills were exceptional. Using the North Star and local rivers to guide her, Tubman identified the safest routes and potential hiding places. She also used disguises to blend in and avoid detection.

Communication was another cornerstone of her success. In December 1854, she arranged for a coded letter to be written in Philadelphia and sent to Jacob Jackson in Maryland. The letter instructed her brothers to prepare for their rescue, using the metaphor of stepping aboard the "Ol' Ship of Zion". Tubman also relied on coded songs and mimicked owl calls to signal danger or safety to her group. For protection - and to keep her group focused - she carried a pistol, which she wasn’t afraid to use if anyone considered turning back.

Working with Networks and Allies

Tubman's effectiveness was amplified by the network of allies she cultivated. She worked closely with abolitionists, free Black communities, Native Americans, and religious groups like Quakers and Congregationalists. These collaborators provided essential support, including "stationmasters" who offered safe houses where escapees could rest, eat, and hide during the day.

One of her most notable allies was William Still, a fellow conductor on the Underground Railroad. Still not only supported Tubman's missions but also documented her efforts, recognising her extraordinary role in the movement. He described her with admiration, writing:

"Harriet Tubman had been their 'Moses,' but not in the sense that Andrew Johnson was the 'Moses of the coloured people... She had faithfully gone down into Egypt, and had delivered these six bondmen by her own heroism."

In addition to logistical support, abolitionist societies and "stockholders" contributed funds, clothing, food, and assistance with job placements for escapees. Tubman’s ability to coordinate with these groups ensured that those she helped had the resources to start new lives in freedom. Her extensive network spanned social and economic divides, and she even had knowledge of which officials could be bribed - information that often determined whether someone reached safety or was captured.

Her reputation also brought her influential supporters, such as Frances Seward, the wife of Senator William H. Seward. Frances Seward offered Tubman land in Auburn, New York, encouraging her family to settle there. This partnership highlights how Tubman’s work earned her the trust and backing of powerful allies, which in turn provided stability and opportunities for those she rescued.

The Underground Railroad itself was a vast and complex network, credited with helping an estimated 100,000 enslaved people escape between 1810 and 1860. Tubman’s ability to navigate this system and contribute so effectively required extraordinary interpersonal skills and strategic thinking. She balanced the need for secrecy with the challenge of building trust, even with strangers, ensuring her missions were successful and her passengers had a chance at lasting freedom.

Communication and Influence: Storytelling for Impact

Building Trust Through Personal Stories

Harriet Tubman’s most powerful tool was her ability to connect with people through her own life story. Having escaped slavery herself, she carried an unmatched authenticity when speaking about freedom. When she shared her experiences, people listened - not just because of her words, but because she had lived the reality she described.

Her storytelling was infused with raw emotion, capturing the heart of her journey. One of her most vivid recollections of tasting freedom remains unforgettable:

"When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through the trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven."

Through such imagery, Tubman made the idea of freedom not just a concept but a vision that others could see and feel. Even the dangers of the journey seemed worth it when framed by her words.

Faith was another cornerstone of her influence. Tubman often shared her dreams and visions, presenting them as messages from God. These deeply resonated with her religious community, reinforcing her leadership as part of a higher purpose. Her humility in acknowledging that her mission was part of something far greater than herself inspired trust - not just in her abilities but also in the moral rightness of their cause.

Using Symbols and Codes

Operating under constant threat, Tubman relied on coded language and symbolic methods to communicate. These techniques, rooted in her religious and cultural heritage, allowed her to pass critical information without exposing her plans to enemies. This combination of secrecy and trust was vital in ensuring the safety of her missions.

Building Alliances

Tubman’s influence wasn’t confined to those she directly guided to freedom. Her ability to build alliances across racial, social, and economic divides was a cornerstone of her success and offers enduring lessons in leadership.

Her network of supporters was remarkably diverse, including abolitionists, free Black communities, Native Americans, and religious groups such as Quakers and Congregationalists. Tubman demonstrated an acute understanding of how to adapt her communication style to align with the values and motivations of each group, ensuring their support.

Her reputation earned her respect from some of the most prominent figures of her time. Frederick Douglass, a leading abolitionist, spoke highly of her dedication:

"Excepting John Brown -- of sacred memory -- I know of no one who has willingly encountered more perils and hardships to serve our enslaved people than [Harriet Tubman]."

Even John Brown, a radical abolitionist known for his bold actions, described her as "one of the bravest persons on this continent". These endorsements highlight her far-reaching impact and the trust she commanded among influential allies.

Tubman also built relationships with politically powerful figures, showcasing her ability to bridge divides and secure support for her cause. However, her influence wasn’t just about words - it was backed by her impeccable track record. Her consistent success in delivering results solidified her position as a leader, earning the confidence of new allies and reinforcing her role in the fight for freedom.

Leadership Lessons for Modern Leaders

Key Leadership Qualities

Harriet Tubman's leadership style offers a wealth of lessons for today's leaders. Her unique approach blended unwavering moral principles with sharp strategic thinking, resulting in a leadership model that truly delivered.

Tubman meticulously planned each mission, fully aware of the immense personal risks she faced. With a staggering bounty of approximately £40,000 placed on her head by southern slave owners, she pressed on, driven by a cause far greater than her own safety. Her sense of duty to those she led was unwavering, as reflected in her own words. By consistently prioritising the welfare of others above her own, she demonstrated what it truly means to practise servant leadership.

Flexibility and alertness were also at the heart of her success. Tubman adapted to constantly shifting and perilous circumstances, altering her routes, methods, and timing as needed to outwit threats, all while staying laser-focused on her ultimate goal: freedom.

Another cornerstone of her leadership was the principle of collective responsibility. She understood that success rested on mutual support and shared dedication to a common mission. This mindset is just as relevant in team leadership today, providing a framework for navigating modern challenges.

Modern Applications

Tubman’s leadership offers direct parallels for navigating today’s complex environments. Her ability to build diverse alliances - working with abolitionists, religious groups, and political figures from various backgrounds - highlights the importance of collaboration in an interconnected world.

Her combination of strategic patience and decisive action is a valuable lesson for leaders managing large-scale change. Tubman’s detailed preparation - mapping routes, identifying safe houses, and timing departures - mirrors the careful planning needed for launching major projects or restructuring organisations.

Perhaps most striking is her ability to lead by example rather than relying on formal authority. Tubman’s leadership was rooted in influence rather than hierarchy, a quality that resonates with the dynamics of modern cross-functional teams and matrix organisations. Her example shows how to inspire action and commitment without relying on traditional power structures.

Comparing Leadership Models

Tubman’s leadership approach stands out for its blend of personal conviction and strategic execution. While it shares elements with modern leadership theories, it also offers distinct insights:

What sets Tubman apart is her results-driven approach. While transformational leaders often focus on inspiring change, Tubman measured success through concrete achievements - lives saved, families reunited, and freedom secured. Her ability to balance unshakable values with adaptable strategies offers a powerful lesson for modern leaders grappling with ethical dilemmas or conflicting priorities. Through her example, we see how principled leadership can achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes.

Conclusion: Harriet Tubman's Legacy in Leadership Communication

Lessons from Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman’s approach to leadership communication offers enduring lessons on inspiring action and fostering unity. She combined emotional insight with strategic thinking, creating strong bonds and motivating others to persevere. Through storytelling and spiritual songs, she built a sense of solidarity and resilience among those seeking freedom. Her ability to adapt her tactics in response to changing dangers, while staying true to her principles of freedom and dignity, showcases a leadership style rooted in flexibility and purpose. Tubman also understood the importance of forming diverse partnerships to drive lasting change. Her life is a powerful reminder that challenging the status quo is often essential for meaningful progress.

These insights encourage us to reflect on how we communicate and lead in our own lives.

A Challenge for Today’s Leaders

Harriet Tubman’s story invites modern leaders to reassess how they connect with and inspire others. Her example shows that effective leadership communication requires courage, integrity, and a willingness to act on core beliefs, even in the face of risk.

Leaders today can learn from her by building informal yet secure networks that foster trust and collaboration. Creating spaces for honest dialogue and forming alliances across boundaries can strengthen collective efforts. Tubman’s legacy underscores that true leadership isn’t about holding a position of authority - it’s about serving others with courage, clarity, and adaptability. In a world of constant change, her story reminds us that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about taking principled action while staying open to new challenges and opportunities.

What Leadership Qualities Made Harriet Tubman Successful? - Anecdotes in Quotation

FAQs

How did Harriet Tubman’s early life influence her leadership and values?

Harriet Tubman's early life, marked by the brutal realities of slavery, played a crucial role in shaping her values and leadership style. Growing up under such harsh conditions fostered a profound sense of empathy, courage, and a deep-seated commitment to helping others.

These formative experiences underscored the importance of working together and putting the needs of others before her own, principles that became central to her leadership. Tubman’s steadfast dedication to justice, coupled with her willingness to face immense personal risk to guide others to freedom, highlights her character-driven approach. Her leadership was defined by compassion, resilience, and an unyielding faith in the strength of community.

How did Harriet Tubman successfully lead people to freedom on the Underground Railroad?

Harriet Tubman combined meticulous planning, ingenuity, and immense bravery to lead enslaved individuals to freedom. She established a network of reliable allies, both Black and white, who offered safe houses and critical support throughout her missions.

To evade capture, Tubman employed clever disguises and used diverse modes of travel, including walking, horseback, wagons, boats, and trains. Timing was crucial - she often began her journeys on Saturday nights, knowing it would delay the release of runaway notices. She also relied on coded messages and gathered vital intelligence to navigate dangerous paths and stay ahead of those pursuing her. Tubman’s unyielding resolve and strategic skill cemented her legacy as a powerful figure of liberation and an extraordinary leader.

What can modern leaders learn from Harriet Tubman’s approach to leadership?

Modern leaders have much to learn from Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary courage, resilience, and steadfast dedication to justice. Her leadership was built on a foundation of calculated risk-taking, profound empathy, and an unshakeable commitment to uplifting others. These traits are just as relevant today, particularly when tackling issues such as inequality and social injustice.

Tubman’s life serves as a powerful reminder for leaders to build trust, lead with moral clarity, and bring people together around shared objectives. Her unwavering determination in the face of hardship highlights the value of perseverance, teamwork, and leading through action rather than words.

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