My oldest son can make some decent money now that he mows lawns. With that money he has purchased fireworks and is all set to have a “party” with his friends after the fourth of July. I think he is more excited about this than I am only because I don’t want to be the reason for any destruction in my neighborhood.
As I think of fourth of July I went back to a book I read years ago by Donald Phillips called The Founding Fathers on Leadership. Will you reflect with me for a moment on what we can learn about leadership from those who freed America from the tyranny of Great Britain over two hundred years ago? Three themes arose which are simple yet and powerful reminders of how we can lead better at work and home.
- Vision. According to Phillips, John Adams in early 1775 created a list of ten things that needed to occur before they could declare war. He had a vision for being freed from Great Britain, but why did he not just give a rousing speech to rally everyone first? Phillips reminds us “Leaders act for certain goals that represent the values – the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations – of the people they represent.”
As a leader one must see the big picture but have concrete goals that point those led in the direction of accomplishing that vision.
- Teamwork. John Adams had a plan, but he and the other founding fathers needed a team to accomplish such a lofty goal. Phillips says, “More people with talent, skill, expertise, and drive were needed . . . who would take risks, act without waiting for direction, and request responsibility . . .”
With any audacious goal a leader sets he or she will need to gather a team to fill in the gaps where he or she does not have the strengths.
As evidenced in the founding fathers, the team should not be simply followers, but other leaders who seek responsibility. This kind of team using their strengths to fulfill a common vision can accomplish great work.
- Courage. This small band of men was entering the unknown with a dream of freedom. They were facing the largest Navy and they had to build a Navy. Their military was not nearly as organized as their enemy. Phillips records multiple risks the military leaders took to defeat the British in battle that ended in defeat, but heavy created casualties to the British. As they looked at this lofty goal of freedom these leaders had to boldly take each step not fully confident of the result yet consumed by the vision which encouraged them to continue to fight.
What about you? Do you have a large enough vision for what you lead and your life that you need a team? Is this vision a burning desire that gives you courage to step into uncomfortable and possibly scary areas you have never been? What do you need to do today to move closer to your vision of freedom in your life? Let me know how I can help you in your journey of growing as a great leader at work and home.
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