Sorting through things in my office the other day, I came across an old booklet bearing the title, “Leadership.” Its cover featured a picture of Mt. Rushmore. As I stared at the images of four national leaders, I thought, “How appropriate, if not cliché.”
I flipped through the pages looking for any solid reason for keeping it, then set it aside to continue my foraging. But I picked up the leadership booklet again. More than Presidents, these men displayed in their lives four different leadership qualities.
Humility
Washington’s reputation established him as a man of honesty, integrity, and humility. One decision he made based on humility affected his time in office and every President after him. He refused to take on titles that vaulted him above what was right. Many advisors argued he should be called Your Excellency or Your Highness, so other world leaders would consider him as equal in ranking with the European royalty. Washington rejected all lofty titles in favor of the simple Mr. President. Every President after him followed the precedent he set.
Persuasive Speech
Jefferson was a man of study and words. His peers drafted him to write the Declaration of Independence. Had he not been otherwise occupied, he likely would have had a part in writing the U.S. Constitution, as well. He knew the weight words carry, so he chose them carefully. Written to pass opposition in his day, the impact of his words in the Declaration of Independence is still being realized and utilized today.
Bold and Decisive
Roosevelt stands out among the four as a man of action. He let nothing deter him from doing what he concluded was right. In international politics, he practiced his “talk softly and carry a big stick” approach. Domestically, we have enjoyed his determination and vision in our lives today through the national park system he set up. Although he was an avid game hunter, he also gave preserving our natural resources his highest priority and put in place land and wildlife conservation for future generations.
Choose Your Battles
Lincoln had a unique leadership strategy. He believed in the saying, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Instead of packing his cabinet with political favorites, he included some of his strongest opponents. This helped him know opposing arguments that might arise against his stands and how to diffuse them. His humorous analogies told through folksy stories often disarmed his opposition and led to refined alternatives.
A Fifth Important Quality
These four men represent four excellent leadership qualities. I would add servanthood as another mark of good leadership. I’m reminded of a plaque I saw in a manager’s office years ago: “A good supervisor is he who can step on your toes and not ruin your shine.” A secret to good leadership is recognizing the strengths in others and helping them succeed. That requires knocking down ego and sharing the spotlight. It’s about how best to build up those around you for the best outcome for all.
Jesus expressed it this way: “He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves” (Luke 22:26 NKJV). In stronger terms, he said, “But whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (Mark 10:43b-44).
Using these as a standard, how many of us are ready for leadership? How would applying these points change you as an employee? As a supervisor? As a business owner? Better yet, how do the ones you follow measure up? Are they okay, or is it time to find new leaders? Remember, there is one who never fails, and he called himself The Good Shepherd. I recommend the Gospel of John for discovering him.
