Numerous lessons on leadership can be found in reading the chapters on Ronald Reagan in James T. Patterson’s fine survey of American history from Watergate to Bush v. Gore titled Restless Giants. Regardless of politics, or any policy decision that was made, Ronald Reagan’s presidency provides 5 key leadership lessons to anyone looking to study traits and practices of effective leaders.
People Feed Off of Your Optimism: Reagan entered office during difficult times when confidence in American capacity was at a low point. His perpetually optimistic message about the ability of Americans and future prosperity, and his continuous talk of Americans having what it takes to reach limitless prospects resonated with the people. Reagan’s optimism and vision for the future earned him the faith and trust of the country. (Page 152-153)
Never Waste an Opportunity to Communicate Your Message: Reagan was a meticulous planner when it came to speaking. He wanted maximum effectiveness in all of his speeches, therefore he typically prepped to the point of not needing notes. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, a political opponent, called Reagan the best public speaker he’s ever seen. The leader of any organization must use their ability to speak in front a crowd to maximize every opportunity they get. While some are more gifted public speakers than others, leaders must be prepared to the max in order to guarantee that they perform to the absolute best of their ability. (Page 153)
Focus on Your Priorities: Reagan zeroed in on his priorities, and spent his time and energy on those select few initiatives. Unlike President Carter, Reagan wanted his work focused on what mattered most to his administration and, in his view, the country. It’s very easy for leaders to spread themselves and their teams very thin with a barrage of programs and initiatives. Focus on what matters, and strive for quality over quantity. (Page 154)
Perception is Reality: Polls and studies indicate that the public’s faith in the capacity of the government increased during Reagan’s administration. It is crucial for leaders in any situation to do what it takes to earn trust through competence and results. Your policies, actions, and communication must not only improve operations and stimulate change, but also must build your own leadership capital. Your performance must increase people’s faith the capacity and capability of your position as a whole. (Page 168)
Research & Develop: Just as foreign car companies surged ahead of American companies in the 1970s with superior research and development, Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, while never fulfilled, forced the Soviet Union to begin bargaining their way out of the Cold War, which ended under Reagan’s watch. His doubling down on developing and researching for the future is what cemented the fulfillment of his foreign policy agenda. Leaders in any context must go beyond current situations and problems, and look to the products and innovations needed for future excellence. Time must be spent collaborating and discussing future needs and potential problems in order to cultivate long term success. Where anyone currently is is far less important to where they are heading. (Page 216)
People Feed Off of Your Optimism: Reagan entered office during difficult times when confidence in American capacity was at a low point. His perpetually optimistic message about the ability of Americans and future prosperity, and his continuous talk of Americans having what it takes to reach limitless prospects resonated with the people. Reagan’s optimism and vision for the future earned him the faith and trust of the country. (Page 152-153)
Never Waste an Opportunity to Communicate Your Message: Reagan was a meticulous planner when it came to speaking. He wanted maximum effectiveness in all of his speeches, therefore he typically prepped to the point of not needing notes. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, a political opponent, called Reagan the best public speaker he’s ever seen. The leader of any organization must use their ability to speak in front a crowd to maximize every opportunity they get. While some are more gifted public speakers than others, leaders must be prepared to the max in order to guarantee that they perform to the absolute best of their ability. (Page 153)
Focus on Your Priorities: Reagan zeroed in on his priorities, and spent his time and energy on those select few initiatives. Unlike President Carter, Reagan wanted his work focused on what mattered most to his administration and, in his view, the country. It’s very easy for leaders to spread themselves and their teams very thin with a barrage of programs and initiatives. Focus on what matters, and strive for quality over quantity. (Page 154)
Perception is Reality: Polls and studies indicate that the public’s faith in the capacity of the government increased during Reagan’s administration. It is crucial for leaders in any situation to do what it takes to earn trust through competence and results. Your policies, actions, and communication must not only improve operations and stimulate change, but also must build your own leadership capital. Your performance must increase people’s faith the capacity and capability of your position as a whole. (Page 168)
Research & Develop: Just as foreign car companies surged ahead of American companies in the 1970s with superior research and development, Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, while never fulfilled, forced the Soviet Union to begin bargaining their way out of the Cold War, which ended under Reagan’s watch. His doubling down on developing and researching for the future is what cemented the fulfillment of his foreign policy agenda. Leaders in any context must go beyond current situations and problems, and look to the products and innovations needed for future excellence. Time must be spent collaborating and discussing future needs and potential problems in order to cultivate long term success. Where anyone currently is is far less important to where they are heading. (Page 216)
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