Leadership Thought #403 – What Makes A Great President

Leadership Thought #403 – What Makes A Great President

I often find myself reflecting on what makes a truly great president, especially given today’s climate. Leadership is something I’ve spent a considerable amount of time studying and observing, and I’ve always been fascinated by the presidency and the unique challenges it presents. There’s something remarkable about the small number of individuals who have held this office and managed to lead effectively through times of crisis, progress, and division.

As I’ve studied the 45 people who have occupied the Oval Office, I’ve noticed that the most successful presidents share many key traits:

  • They think big rather than small and have no problem with the “vision thing.”
  • There is an obvious, consistent, and strong moral and ethical grounding to their decision-making.
  • They are uniters, not dividers.
  • They are willing to tell the truth about crucial issues confronting the nation, rather than just telling us what they think we want to hear or pandering to their ideological base.
  • They stay focused and tackle the most critical issues rather than getting sidetracked by the many distractions natural to the office.
  • They don’t shy away from making tough decisions and fully embrace the responsibility of presidential leadership.
  • They have the courage of their convictions but are willing to reach across the aisle and compromise for the greater good.
  • Their communication style tends to be upbeat and positive, appealing to our inherent goodness.
  • They tend to share the credit and shoulder the blame even when their role gets politically complicated.
  • They genuinely enjoy their interactions with the public and have a natural affinity and empathy for ordinary people.
  • They remain calm under pressure and don’t let their emotions or the politics of the moment dictate unwise actions or lead to political gaffes.
  • They tend to intuitively build relationships and foster professional alliances with other leaders who are critical to addressing domestic and international issues.
  • They enjoy the political game rather than becoming annoyed by it or trying to hold themselves above the fray.
  • They keep the country looking and moving forward rather than getting mired in the past.
  • They typically possess a strong sense of humor and avoid taking themselves too seriously.

Conclusion:

When I think about the qualities that make a president truly great, it becomes clear that it’s about more than just winning elections or being popular. It’s about having a clear vision for the country and the courage to make tough calls, even when they’re not politically convenient. It’s about bringing people together, handling the inevitable pressure of the position, and always keeping the nation’s long-term interests at heart.

Great presidents don’t shy away from challenges; they embrace them and guide the country through them with grace and strength. They understand the importance of relationships, both at home and abroad, and they know that progress comes from collaboration, not isolation. Most importantly, they lead with empathy, genuinely caring about the people they serve and finding joy in connecting with the public.

As we look ahead, it’s these qualities we should look for in our leaders—those who can rise above the noise, make decisions with integrity, and inspire a sense of unity and hope for the future. The legacy of great leadership isn’t just about the moments in office but the lasting impact on the country’s direction. That’s what makes a president truly great.

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