This article first appeared in the July, 2004 edition of the Jacksonville Business Journal
The recent passing of President Ronald Reagan has brought forth an outpouring of respect and acknowledgement of his leadership. While in office he had many fans as well as those who opposed his policies and programs. Yet, there is now universal recognition that he had an extraordinary ability to transcend politics and leave a lasting mark on the United States, on the Office of the Presidency, and world affairs.
I was struck by the eulogies delivered at his funeral. They all spoke of similar qualities that defined both the man and his leadership. The principles that guided Reagan can offer profound lessons for leaders of every kind.
A Clear and Compelling Vision
Ronald Reagan had a vision about America and its place in the world. Whether he talked about the "shining city on the hill" or about America as the hope of the world, he spoke with the personal passion that only comes with unwavering belief. He saw America's role in ending the Cold War and had a clear strategy to achieve it. Whether you believed in his vision or not, you never doubted what Ronald Reagan stood for. That is one of the universal attributes of great leaders.
Defining Complex Situations in Simple Terms
We live in a complex world. Many factors influence our lives. It is easy to become confused about what path to take. In that confusion we often do nothing...overcome by self-doubt and "analysis paralysis." But most situations have a solution that is so clear and straightforward it is "elegant in its simplicity." And once understood, simple solutions drive consistent action. Ronald Reagan had the ability to understand complex situations and frame them in a clear and simple context. Simple solutions are not simplistic. They often underlie great truths and lead to solutions with extraordinary clarity.
Relentless and Unwavering Conviction
There is a philosophy called "situational ethics." It is based on the premise that right and wrong can be defined within the context of a specific situation. Based on this belief system, anything can be justified. Lying, stealing, even murder can be justified due to situational circumstances. Personal responsibility is no longer valid.the situation makes the problem "someone else's fault." It is the baseline of moral decay. It is the stuff of which endless lawsuits are made.
Ronald Reagan's value system was the antithesis of situational ethics. He had an unwavering belief system about right and wrong, good and evil, individual freedom and personal dignity. He believed in the opportunity for ordinary people to achieve success through their own efforts. He believed that it is people, not government, who create the greatness and wealth of a nation.
A relentless and unwavering conviction consistent with your beliefs can create a constancy of behavior and actions that will drive vision within any organization.
Eternal Optimism Matched With Persistent Action
President Reagan was an optimist. He saw the glass as eternally half full. He brought hope and the potential for a better tomorrow to everyone. That is not to say he was a Pollyanna who looked at the world unrealistically through rose colored glasses. But his confidence, hope and optimism sustained both himself and others even in difficult times.
Many leaders take the opposite position. They look for the flaws, the problems, for why things might not work, finding fault in both ideas and people. They take the role of "devil's advocate."
Optimism creates a belief in success and in our power to create that success. It is directly linked to high achievement. Pessimists who say that something can't be done are usually right, for they also create their own reality.
Genuine Good Will Toward Others
Above all else, in the harsh and unkind world of today's national politics, President Reagan was an anomaly. His eulogies captured this essence through personal anecdotes filled with in words such as kindness, courage, decency, humility, humor and honor. Margaret Thatcher said: "He fought hard for his beliefs. He led from conviction, but never made an adversary into an enemy. He was never mean-spirited."
Good will toward others creates a community of people working together, creating extraordinary results.
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