Reagan: How to measure leadership

Actor turned politician Ronald Reagan served his country as the 40th U. S. President. Reagan, along with his wife Nancy, was credited by many as restored class to the White House following the hillbilly Carter years. From the elegant dancing at the inaugural balls to the manner in which he communicated with the public Reagan proved himself to be a distinguished gentleman.

A true conservative, Reagan turned the country from recession to prosperity as he tore down the iron curtain to reestablish social and economic ties between the former soviet world and the western cultures.

Raegan was able to build a devoted following. The term “Reagan Democrats” was used to refer to deflectors from the opposing political party who gave him their support.

With a view of leadership that depended on a different criteria than that previously applied by traditional managers, Reagan provided new insight to successful leadership.

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that __________”

1. Does the best things.
2. Gets the people to do the greatest things.
3. Should get the credit.
4. Takes the blame for others.

For the correct ending of the quote, click here.

Following the hostilities between the East and West after World War I and World War II was people could not imagine seeing the leaders of the United States, England and the Soviet Union become great friends. It the leadership of Ronald Reagan made it possible. Margaret Thatcher and Mikael Gorbachev earned countless photos with Reagan displaying genuine smiles, warm handshakes and true friendship.

This trio proved one of Reagan’s deeply held principles.

Reagan did not consider bringing world leaders together as a great feat of leadership in and of itself. But bringing them together did result in tearing down the Berlin wall and spreading democracy throughout the now former Soviet Union. Not because of what Reagan did but because of what Gorbachev was encouraged to do through Reagan’s leadership but because of the effect of his leadership on Gorbachev.

Reagan’s leadership also helped Great Britain restore itself as an economic power – not because of what Reagan did not because of the inspiration he gave to Thatcher.

Business leaders need to remember the words of Reagan and focus on the talents and abilities of their team and how they can help team members reach their full leadership potential.

Upper management always appreciates the successes of the team. If the leader takes credit only one credit goes to the team. But if the leader allows the credit to go to one or more members of the team or the team as a whole upper management also gives credit for leader.

About the author:

Rick Weaver has half a century’s experience in leadership development in retailing. He founded Max Impact Corporation, a leadership and business development consultancy company in 2002. His major accomplishments include working himself from stock clerk to director at a Fortune 50 retail chain and building a $40MM+ construction company in under 5 years. Today he works as an Executive Search Consultant with Patrice & Associates matching management talent with the job culture for which they are uniquely wired.