Reluctant Leaders Might Be The Most Impactful Ones Around Us

On a recent trip to New York, I was fortunate enough to see Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway masterpiece. The songs and raps are enthralling, the narrative comic and tragic at the same time, and lessons on leadership abound.

Over the past weeks, while humming Hamilton lyrics, I’ve been reflecting on one particular leadership lesson from George Washington. Washington has an undeniably prominent significance in history - the decorated commander of the Continental Army, the first President of the United States of America, and the first head of state to freely give up his reign and limit his time in office. More than anything else, Washington’s decision to serve only two terms and set the precedent for the democratic and peaceful transfer of power was revolutionary (pun intended).

What Washington gets less credit for however is his role as a ‘reluctant leader’. Historians suggest that Washington was hesitant about the presidency, overwhelmed by the challenges facing our young country, dubious that he was up to the task, and enticed by the personal peace he felt at Mount Vernon. As we all know, he said yes and his reluctance materialized into some of the most powerful traits of exceptional leaders - humility, modesty, dedication.

Roughly 100 years later, the first woman mayor in the US was elected - a similarly reluctant leader that came to office because of a prank played by a faction of men in Argonia, Kansas wishing to keep women out of the political sphere. Susanna Madora Salter may not have desired the position but she led with grace and intelligence. Like Washington, she was a conscientious leader, who served her community rather than herself.

Across public and private sectors alike, leaders today are often asked to serve in positions they might resist - a new role that seems outside your comfort zone, an institution with complicated politics. Think of Washington and Salter and say yes. These are the opportunities where leaders shine, where the mission comes ahead of the individual, where impact beats out power.

One final note: there’s a pretty fun Hamilton Peloton ride that I’d recommend to anyone looking to burn off some extra calories around Thanksgiving.

( Adam Grant and Sharon McMahon cover both Washington and Salter in a recent WorkLife podcast - I'd recommend a listen!)