I recently revisited my notes on Donald T. Phillips‘ book The Founding Fathers on Leadership, and I remain a huge fan of his work. The book is packed with timeless lessons drawn from the experiences of a small group of leaders who overcame incredible obstacles to form this country nearly 250 years ago. Many of these leadership insights still resonate today. I’ve decided to expand on Phillips’ work by incorporating additional presidential examples to support his main points. From guiding the nation through war, to navigating economic crises, to advancing diplomacy, these leaders offer invaluable lessons that business leaders can apply in today’s world.
This blog explores key leadership lessons from Founding Fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, while also drawing from presidential examples (regardless of party), like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, James Monroe, James Madison, Woodrow Wilson, James Polk and more.
1. Sound the Trumpet: Raising Awareness and Setting a Clear Vision
Examples: Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, & James Monroe
Thomas Jefferson’s vision for an independent nation, articulated through the Declaration of Independence, laid the foundation for a bold new future. Similarly, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs clearly outlined his vision for economic recovery, giving Americans hope in the midst of the Great Depression.
John F. Kennedy’s famous “moonshot” speech inspired a generation, while Ronald Reagan’s declaration, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” symbolized his vision of freedom during the Cold War.
James Monroe also had a defining vision with the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which established a clear foreign policy for the United States. It warned European powers against further colonization in the Americas, asserting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere. This doctrine set a course for U.S. foreign policy for decades, establishing the United States as a protector of the Americas.
Business Application: Much like Monroe’s Doctrine set a bold vision for foreign policy, business leaders today must articulate a clear and compelling vision that inspires their teams and provides a framework for future success. A well-communicated vision can be a rallying cry, pushing teams to strive for extraordinary achievements.
Key Tips:
- Set bold, aspirational goals that challenge your team to reach new heights, as Kennedy’s space race did.
- Ensure your vision is aligned with your organization’s values and is communicated consistently, just as Monroe’s Doctrine defined U.S. foreign policy for generations.
- Provide clarity and direction during times of uncertainty, as Roosevelt did with the New Deal.
2. Building a Decisive and Diverse Team
Examples: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Theodore Roosevelt, & James Madison
George Washington was a master at building a team that complemented his own strengths. He gathered a group of talented generals and advisers who brought their own expertise to the table, allowing him to lead the Continental Army to victory.
Abraham Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals” showed how diverse perspectives can enhance decision-making, and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s leadership during World War II was strengthened by his ability to coordinate a global alliance.
Theodore Roosevelt, an energetic and dynamic leader, also built a highly effective team during his presidency, especially during his push for domestic reforms. He valued different perspectives and surrounded himself with advisers who could challenge him.
James Madison, known as the “Father of the Constitution,” played a vital role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. He collaborated with a range of thinkers and statesmen to ensure that the founding document addressed the diverse needs of the new nation, ensuring long-term stability.
Business Application: Like Washington, Lincoln, and Madison, modern leaders must build teams with diverse skills and perspectives. A cohesive yet diverse team strengthens an organization’s decision-making, innovation, and ability to respond to challenges.
Key Tips:
- Surround yourself with people who bring complementary skills and perspectives, as Madison did when crafting the Constitution.
- Encourage open dialogue and respectful debate, as Lincoln did with his team of rivals.
- Leverage your team’s strengths to implement bold reforms, much like Theodore Roosevelt did during his presidency.
3. Inspiring the Masses: Mobilizing for Change
Examples: Benjamin Franklin, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Bill Clinton, & Woodrow Wilson
Benjamin Franklin’s charm and diplomatic efforts in securing French support were key to the success of the American Revolution. Theodore Roosevelt, with his “Square Deal,” inspired confidence in his vision for fairness and reform, energizing the American public and rallying support for change.
Harry S. Truman, through his decisive leadership during the end of World War II and the Cold War, inspired confidence by acting with resolve in difficult circumstances. Bill Clinton, with his charismatic style, oversaw a period of economic prosperity and balanced his leadership with reforms in welfare and education.
Woodrow Wilson mobilized the nation during World War I with his call to make the world “safe for democracy.” His leadership helped Americans unite behind a cause that was not just about the war itself but about establishing a lasting peace and the creation of the League of Nations.
Business Application: Like Franklin, Roosevelt, and Wilson, modern leaders must inspire their teams to embrace change and take action. By clearly communicating the purpose and benefits of an initiative, leaders can energize their organizations to achieve more.
Key Tips:
- Communicate your vision passionately, as Wilson did with his post-war vision for peace.
- Be a visible and energetic leader, engaging your team with confidence and optimism, as Theodore Roosevelt did with his reform agenda.
- Use storytelling to connect emotionally with your audience, much like Franklin did in securing international alliances.
4. Listening and Leading: The Power of Two-Way Communication
Examples: John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, & James Polk
John Adams believed in the importance of debate and discussion to forge strong decisions. Abraham Lincoln, known for his empathy, listened carefully to his advisers, soldiers, and the American public, using their feedback to guide his decisions.
Lyndon B. Johnson used his deep understanding of people and politics to pass landmark civil rights legislation, listening to various factions and building coalitions. Jimmy Carter, often considered a reflective leader, used listening and patience in international diplomacy, most notably during the Camp David Accords.
James Polk, one of the most effective one-term presidents, listened carefully to public opinion and his advisers during the Mexican-American War. His ability to balance differing perspectives helped him achieve significant territorial expansion for the United States, including the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California.
Business Application: Leaders today must follow the example of Adams, Lincoln, and Polk by actively listening to their teams. Two-way communication fosters trust and ensures that decisions are informed by a wide range of perspectives.
Key Tips:
- Create opportunities for open dialogue, encouraging feedback from all levels of the organization, much like Polk did when managing public sentiment during territorial expansion.
- Be empathetic and engage with your team’s concerns, as Lincoln did during the Civil War.
- Build consensus through active listening, like Johnson did with civil rights legislation.
5. Turning Negatives into Positives: Resilience in Leadership
Examples: George Washington at Valley Forge, Franklin D. Roosevelt During WWII, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, & James Madison
George Washington’s perseverance through the harsh winter at Valley Forge is legendary. Despite facing dire circumstances, he kept his troops together, restructured, and emerged stronger, leading them to eventual victory. Similarly, Franklin D. Roosevelt guided the nation through World War II, exemplifying resilience through relentless optimism and resolve.
Harry S. Truman showed resilience by turning the Berlin Airlift into a successful campaign that reinforced U.S. strength in the face of Soviet aggression. Gerald Ford’s leadership during the aftermath of Watergate was another example of resilience; his pardon of Nixon was a controversial but decisive action intended to heal the nation.
James Madison showed resilience during the War of 1812, when the British burned Washington, D.C. His resolve to stay the course led to eventual peace with Britain and solidified the United States’ place as an independent and enduring power.
Business Application: Setbacks are inevitable in business, but resilient leaders, like Washington, Roosevelt, and Madison, can turn adversity into opportunity. Successful leaders keep their teams focused on the long-term goal, using challenges to drive growth and innovation.
Key Tips:
- Reframe challenges as opportunities to improve, as Washington did during Valley Forge.
- Lead with optimism during times of crisis, much like Roosevelt did during WWII.
- Stay the course during adversity, as Madison did during the War of 1812, and inspire your team to persevere.
6. Building Strategic Alliances: Leveraging Relationships for Success
Examples: Benjamin Franklin, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, James Monroe, & Woodrow Wilson
Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic efforts to secure French support were crucial in turning the tide of the American Revolution. Theodore Roosevelt’s negotiation of peace in the Russo-Japanese War earned him a Nobel Peace Prize and elevated the United States’ standing in international diplomacy.
George Washington was also instrumental in forming early alliances, especially in negotiating treaties to prevent further conflict with Native American tribes and European powers. James Monroe’s Monroe Doctrine created a lasting alliance with Latin American nations, positioning the United States as a protector against European intervention.
Woodrow Wilson, after World War I, proposed the League of Nations, which aimed to foster international cooperation and prevent future wars. While the U.S. didn’t join, Wilson’s vision set the groundwork for modern international alliances like the United Nations.
Business Application: In today’s interconnected world, strategic alliances are essential for business success. Like Franklin, Roosevelt, and Monroe, modern leaders must identify and nurture partnerships that complement their strengths and support long-term goals.
Key Tips:
- Build alliances that align with your long-term vision, as Monroe did with his doctrine protecting the Western Hemisphere.
- Use diplomacy to strengthen relationships, following Roosevelt’s example in international negotiations.
- Forge partnerships that expand your capabilities, as Franklin did in securing French support during the Revolution.
7. Risk-Taking: Courage and Boldness in Leadership
Examples: John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, & James Polk
John Adams boldly advocated for independence even when it was an unpopular position. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln took significant risks with the Emancipation Proclamation, transforming the Civil War from a fight to preserve the Union into a moral struggle for freedom.
Ronald Reagan demonstrated boldness by challenging the Soviet Union, and his strategic decisions helped bring about the end of the Cold War. George W. Bush, after the September 11 attacks, launched the War on Terror, a bold and controversial move that reshaped U.S. foreign policy.
James Polk took calculated risks during his presidency, expanding U.S. territory significantly through the Mexican-American War, despite fierce opposition. His bold territorial expansion, which included the acquisition of California and the Oregon Territory, forever changed the landscape of the United States.
Business Application: Bold leadership and risk-taking are essential for business growth. Leaders like Adams, Lincoln, Reagan, and Polk show that decisive actions can lead to transformative outcomes. Risk-taking, when well-calculated, can yield substantial rewards.
Key Tips:
- Don’t shy away from bold decisions when they align with your long-term vision, as Polk did with territorial expansion.
- Stand firm in your convictions, even in the face of opposition, much like Reagan during the Cold War.
- Be willing to take significant risks when the potential for success is high, as Lincoln did with the Emancipation Proclamation.
8. Understanding Human Nature and Creating a Positive Culture
Examples: Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, & James Madison
Thomas Jefferson’s focus on unity and inclusion helped build a foundation for American democracy. Theodore Roosevelt’s “Square Deal” promoted fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses, creating a culture of trust and fairness.
Bill Clinton emphasized economic growth and opportunity, while Barack Obama’s focus on inclusion and diversity resonated with a broad range of Americans. James Madison, with his role in drafting the Constitution and Bill of Rights, built the framework for a political culture that would endure and evolve over time.
Business Application: Leaders today must understand human nature and foster a positive, inclusive culture. Like Jefferson, Roosevelt, Clinton, and Madison, leaders should create a culture that promotes fairness, inclusion, and collaboration.
Key Tips:
- Create an inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and respects diverse perspectives, as Jefferson did in building a new government.
- Focus on fairness and opportunity, as Roosevelt did with his “Square Deal.”
- Promote long-term stability by establishing a culture of trust and shared values, as Madison did with the Constitution.
Conclusion: Leadership Lessons for Today’s Business Leaders
The leadership strategies of the Founding Fathers and U.S. Presidents offer timeless lessons for today’s business leaders. From the visionary leadership of Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy to the bold risk-taking of Abraham Lincoln and James Polk, these leaders provide powerful examples of how to inspire teams, navigate challenges, and lead organizations toward success.
By applying these principles—setting a clear vision, building diverse teams, taking calculated risks, fostering strategic alliances, and creating a positive culture—modern business leaders can guide their organizations through today’s complex and competitive world.
10 Leadership Questions for Consideration:
- How well does your vision inspire and mobilize your team?
- Are you building a diverse and skilled team that challenges your thinking?
- How do you inspire your team to embrace change and take ownership of their work?
- Are you actively listening to feedback and using it to inform your decisions?
- How do you lead your team through adversity and turn setbacks into opportunities?
- Are you forming strategic alliances that enhance your business’s capabilities and market position?
- Are you taking bold, calculated risks to drive innovation and success?
- How are you fostering a positive, inclusive company culture that values diversity?
- Are you empowering leaders at all levels of your organization to take ownership and make decisions?
- What steps are you taking to develop the next generation of leaders within your company?
By reflecting on these questions and drawing inspiration from the leadership of the Founding Fathers and U.S. Presidents, today’s business leaders can navigate the complexities of modern leadership with the same courage, vision, and resilience that shaped the course of history.