Thursday, August 13, 2009 Leadership lessons from the great communicator
My family and I vacationed this summer in California and were able to visit family in San Francisco, friends in the central valley, and of course Mickey and Minnie in Disneyland.
During the trip I had only one request — to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. In addition to giving my kids a greater understanding of his life and accomplishments, it also provided my family with the experience of seeing a retired Air Force One jet and even a large section of the Berlin wall.
The visit (and being in the business of communications) motivated me to read up on President Reagan — a.k.a. the Great Communicator. One book I picked up was Reagan on Leadership by James M. Strock. It was a great read and for me, there were a few key insights for leaders that I’d like to offer as a review:
- Craft a compelling vision
- Be decisive
- Learn from mistakes … and move on
- Do only what subordinates can not
- Make meetings useful
The book also provides some great communication lessons using President Reagan’s example. If you’re ever in southern California, I recommend a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. And if you’re looking for a good read on leadership and management, find a copy of Reagan on Leadership.
Reader Comments (1)
Thanks for your kind words about Reagan on Leadership. I greatly appreciate them! I hope you'll keep an eye out for my next book, coming out in early 2010, on 21st Century Leadership.
Best,
Jim Strock