PRESIDENT

Feb

2024

Leadership Lessons from Presidential Leaders

Each year I like to take time to help us draw out leadership lessons from presidential leaders. Think about it, the presidents of the United States have faced some of the most daunting challenges and have had to make tough decisions that have shaped the course of history. As citizens we can easily criticize and share our opinions just like fans of a football game can criticize the coach, but unless we have been in their seat, we really don’t understand the pressure. You face your own pressures as a leader. Let’s take a moment and look at some lessons we can learn from past presidents.

Effective Communication

One of the most important qualities of a successful leader is the ability to communicate effectively. Time and time again, we have seen presidents who were able to connect with the American people through powerful speeches and clear, concise messaging. Whether it was Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address or Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chats, these leaders understood the importance of rallying public support through effective communication.

Calm Under Pressure

The President never knows what problem he will wake up to. The presidency is perhaps one of the most high-pressure jobs in the world, and yet the best leaders have demonstrated an ability to stay composed in the face of crisis. Whether it was George Washington’s leadership during the American Revolution or John F. Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, these leaders remained calm and collected even in the most challenging situations.

Develop a Strong Team

In the book Team of Rivals Doris Kearns Goodwin highlights the fact that President Lincoln had a team of different thinking individuals in his cabinet, some were his rivals. He understood that effective leaders build strong teams. No president can run the country single-handedly, and the best leaders have understood the importance of surrounding themselves with a strong team of advisors and experts. Whether in war or peace presidents have carefully built teams around them that would help inform their decisions. The model of Lincoln was he surrounded himself with people who thought differently. This helped him get diverse perspectives in decision-making as well as insight into how others thought.

Decisive

Presidential leaders have often demonstrated a willingness to make tough decisions, even when they are unpopular. Whether it was Harry Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan or Lyndon B. Johnson’s push for civil rights legislation, these leaders were not afraid to make difficult choices in the face of intense opposition. In doing so, they were able to make lasting and meaningful change.

How are you doing in these areas as a leader? Take a moment and evaluate how effectively you communicate, how calm you are under pressure, how diverse your team is, and how decisive you are in decision-making. Which of these areas do you need to focus on during the next week or month? Need help growing in one of these areas? Contact me for a powerful coaching experience to help you think into your results and grow as a leader. Lead well.

May

2020

Memorial Day Leadership

Freedom and heroes. When I think of Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave their lives so we in the United States could have freedom, these are the words that come to mind.

Yes, these are the soldiers who have voluntarily given their lives so those of us who did not serve may have the freedoms we experience. There are more. Those who daily serve our communities keeping us safe and free from harm.

Those who run toward harm to save lives, protect lives, and heal lives. For these people I have created this hoping to encourage everyone to be a hero by being a leader for what is true, noble, just and right. The musician Bob Dylan put it well when he said:

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

As you read these thoughts, put aside all political or other opinions and ask yourself one question: how can this help me be a better leader at work, at home, or in my community today?

“Freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

These words come from a man who lost much to Polio. This did not prevent him from experiencing as much freedom as possible and leading a nation to fight for its freedom amidst the threat of great tyranny. As leaders we must continue to fight for the freedom we and those we lead experience.

“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

John F. Kennedy

I find myself often feeling I deserve certain privileges or experiences. I have those because of others before me and as a leader I can blaze a path to achieve greater freedoms for others if I am willing to serve others before myself.

“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.”

President Barack Obama

As a leader I get trapped in my own agenda and fail to honor those around me. What do we need to do as leaders to honor those who sacrifice in big and small ways for the freedoms we experience?

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

President John F. Kennedy

Adversity can be a leader’s constant companion. Leaders are problem solvers. Just as those who have fought for our freedoms have paid the ultimate price, supported one another, met hardship, and opposed enemies; leaders must do the same in pursuit of their noble, just, and right vision.

“Whether we observe the occasion through public ceremony or through private prayer, Memorial Day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.”

George Bush

Leaders must remember people. How easily we become enamored by the goal and forget the sons, sisters, spouses, friends and neighbors we lead. Without the people and appreciating their sacrifice there would be no leader. As leaders one of our top goals is to add value and value those we serve.

“I don’t have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world.”

President Ronald Reagan

Thank you those of you who lead and serve in our military and for the freedom you have provided and continue to provide for all of us in this nation.

“Peace is the real and right memorial for those who have died in war.”

President Richard Nixon

Lead Well.