Every year, on Presidents’ Day, we take time out to remember the legacies of the great men who have been elected to lead our country. What started as a Holiday commemorating George Washington’s birthday has grown into a national celebration of all of our Presidents. Obviously, these are some of our country’s greatest and most accomplished leaders. Their legacies impart valuable lessons that we can use to improve our own business management skills.
George Washington: Lead from the Front
George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette at Valley Forge (Library of Congress)
Before he was a President, Washington was America’s most accomplished general. He built his career on seemingly impossible reverses, managing to avert disaster against larger forces time and time again. The key to Washington’s success as a general was that, when things were most perilous, he was right in the thick of the fighting with his soldiers. He didn’t stand back and watch the battle unfold; he got his hands dirty and directed things from the floor. The more involved you are in the daily operations of your business, the better. Get to know your team, build a working rapport, and show them that you’re invested, and you’ll be able to fight your way out of even the stickiest situations.
James Madison: Invest Aggressively
Source: History.com
While he was a formidable President in his own right, Madison’s biggest contribution came before he took office. As the architect of the Louisiana Purchase, Madison bucked popular opinion and made a huge investment in expanding the United States’ territory. With that one bold decision, made against the advice of many of his peers, Madison literally drew the map for this country’s future. Imagine a version of America that didn’t extend West past Alabama. Without Madison’s willingness to invest in the future, this country would never have existed as we know it. When you get a chance to invest in your business’ future, think of how things would have turned out for the U.S. if Madison hadn’t been so forward-thinking.
Teddy Roosevelt: Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick
Source: Biography.com
When he wasn’t winning wars or bareknuckle boxing, Teddy Roosevelt was actually an extremely effective diplomat. His famous quote about foreign relations is equally applicable to managing your own employees. Always treat your team with respect, listen to their ideas, and give them leeway to do their jobs. At the same time, make it clear what you expect and enforce those expectations rigidly. Giving your team freedom to operate but backing up your expectations with consequences is a great way to build a happy, constructive workplace.
Richard Nixon: Keep Good Records
Source: Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
It might seem odd to take a lesson from a proven criminal who was impeached from office and forced to resign in shame. Still, you can’t deny that Richard Nixon was a thorough record keeper. Sometimes, we have good ideas at the weirdest times. Often, we’re too busy to do anything about it, and by the time we have a free moment the idea is gone. You’d better believe that never happened to Richard Nixon, who recorded every word he ever spoke. You might not need to take it quite that far, but using your phone to record voice memos to yourself throughout the day guarantees you’ll never let another great idea slip away.
No matter which president inspires you, it’s clear that the time each of them spent at the country’s helm has shaped America’s past, present, and future. Some presidents have left a legacy to be emulated, while others’ biographies may serve as a cautionary tale. However, varied though their terms in office may be, it’s hard to deny the impact all of America’s Commanders in Chief have had not just on our country but the rest of the world as well.
