On a recent Sunday afternoon, with the city feeling cold and gray, I curled up on my couch with a hot cup of tea and finally watched Six Triple Eight. I knew it was the true story of the first and only all-Black, all-female battalion sent overseas during World War II, but I didn’t expect it to impact me the way it did—not just as an important piece of history, but as a powerful lesson in leadership.
These 855 women were given a near-impossible task: sort through a massive backlog of millions of undelivered letters and packages meant for soldiers on the front lines. Morale was sinking, and these messages from loved ones were a lifeline for those serving overseas. Still, few believed the 6888th Battalion could succeed under such tough conditions. The women faced racism, sexism, and constant doubt. Yet, in true leadership form, they pushed aside distractions, focused on their mission, and not only completed it—but did so in half the expected time.
As I watched, I found myself taking mental notes about leadership: resilience, purpose, teamwork, and the ability to rise above difficult circumstances. Here’s what stood out to me, and what I believe every leader can learn from this incredible story.
- Leadership is Purpose-Driven
One of the most striking things about Six Triple Eight was how clearly these women understood why their work mattered. They weren’t just sorting mail—they were restoring hope. A single letter from home could be everything to a soldier far from loved ones.
Leaders who link their work to a bigger purpose bring out the best in their teams. When people know why they’re doing something, they’re more likely to push through challenges, try new approaches, and take ownership. It reminded me of my own work as a coach: helping leaders gain clarity, confidence, and impact isn’t just about climbing the career ladder, but about creating workplaces where people thrive, grow, and make a difference.
- Problem-Solving Under Pressure is a Leadership Superpower
The women of the 6888th walked into utter chaos—warehouses stacked high with undelivered letters, no clear system, and no modern logistics. Everyone assumed the job would take months, if not years. Instead of dwelling on how impossible it seemed, they immediately got organized, developing a system that tackled the backlog quickly.
That’s what great leaders do: they don’t fixate on what’s broken, they focus on how to fix it. Whether you’re navigating a major restructuring or launching a new initiative, the ability to stay calm, assess the situation, and create a plan is what sets strong leaders apart. This reminded me of times when my clients or I have faced what seemed like overwhelming challenges. The lesson? Don’t get lost in the size of the problem—start somewhere, take action, and build momentum.
- Resilience in the Face of Discrimination and Doubt
If there’s ever a case study on resilience, Six Triple Eight is it. The women faced racism and sexism from the outside world and within the military ranks. They lacked resources and recognition but let their results speak for themselves.
It made me think of how often talented professionals—especially women and people of color—have to prove themselves repeatedly. Leadership isn’t just about having authority; it’s about forging ahead when others doubt you, knowing your worth, and delivering excellence regardless. For anyone who’s been dismissed or underestimated, the message is clear: focus on your work, let your results shine, and never let someone else’s opinions limit your potential.
- Teamwork and Trust Drive Success
Even in difficult circumstances, the 6888th worked together seamlessly. There weren’t lone heroes—just people who trusted each other, capitalized on each other’s strengths, and believed in their collective effort.
This brought home a fundamental truth: no leader succeeds alone. Great teams are built on trust, communication, and a shared vision. Watching them collaborate reminded me of teams I’ve coached—when leaders empower people and help them shine, amazing things happen. The best leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers; they create an environment where everyone contributes and thrives.
- Legacy Comes from Action, Not Recognition
Despite their huge contribution, the 6888th wasn’t formally recognized until decades later. That hit me hard. It made me think about how many people do extraordinary work without receiving immediate credit. But leadership isn’t about fame or awards; it’s about making an impact, even if the world doesn’t notice it right away.
So many of us pour ourselves into our teams, our causes, and our goals without always getting the recognition we deserve. This story reminds us that true leadership is about doing the work, leaving things better than you found them, and believing that your impact will matter—even if the spotlight isn’t on you.
Final Thoughts
As I sat there, watching these women rise above every obstacle, I found myself completely inspired. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or simply trying to make an impact in your own life, Six Triple Eight is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we lead with purpose, resilience, and trust.
