Presidential Leadership

I found a great article from The Presidential Expert, Dr. Schoenberg on Ronald Reagan. (He received his Ph.D. in history from New York University. He has taught classes on the life-changing lessons that we can learn from the presidents for various branches of the City University of New York, St. Francis College and Fordham University.)

All of us can look at U.S. Presidents and see great examples of leadership. Ronald Reagan was no exception.

Vision: Ronald Reagan was called “the Great Communicator” because he inspired Americans with his vision. You can learn to be a dream-maker from Reagan. He communicated an optimistic vision of America when he said America is, "still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom for all the pilgrims from the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness toward home."

Have High Self Esteem: Reagan believed in himself. Even though he was the son of an alcoholic, he still remembered the good times in his childhood.

Nice Guys Finish First: People might have disagreed with Reagan, but they still liked him as a person. He attacked the issues and not people. He used his sense of humor to his advantage.

Work Smart, Don’t Work Hard: Reagan liked the work schedule 9-5. When he was the governor of California, he told people to go home when he left office. He focused on the big picture when he gave direction to his administration and not the little details. (image: Here Be Dragons)

Delegate! Reagan accomplished so much because he delegated so much. He believed in appointing good people that shared his values that could push his policy through.

Be a Great Communicator: He started out as a disk jockey, became a movie star, then a television pitchman, President of the Screen Actors Guild, Governor of California, then leader of the free world. He could articulate a message that touched the hearts of millions of Americans.

Be a Decision Maker: Learn to trust your gut in situations. Reagan stuck with his economic policies even when the economy was tanking because he knew it was the right thing to do. He didn’t rely on public opinion polls to make decisions.

Stay Focused: He passed his policies because he focused on one issue at a time. He was willing to compromise to get his programs passed.

Show Sensitivity or Compassion: In 1981 when he was almost killed by John Hinckley he told his daughter that his recovery depended on him forgiving Hinckley. He didn’t let a grudge transpire so he could lead without a chip on his shoulder.

Whether you like him or not, there is a lot to learn from Ronald Reagan. Follow the blog for updates on the leadership other U.S. Presidents.