Leading at the Highest Level
I’m sure that you’ve heard a child declare aloud, “I want to be President when I grow up!” Perhaps it is naivety and idealism that compels such a bold proclamation. It is age, experience, and cynicism, however, that dilute this desire as the immense demands of the presidency become more fully understood. Being the president of a bustling nation is immensely difficult. I hold this title for my own company, and it is quite a challenge on that much smaller, less complex level. I can hear an “Amen” from the Senior Leadership out there.
We celebrate Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of February to honor the individuals who have served in the highest office of the land. Its origin lies in the 1880s, when the birthday of George Washington (February 22)—commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first U.S. President—was first celebrated as a federal holiday. President Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) was similarly celebrated in many states over the years but not on a federal level. In 1968, lawmakers proposed to honor both men’s birthdays on the same day and under the name “Presidents’ Day,” but it did not take effect until 1971. This day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.
On this day to honor our U.S. presidents, let’s reflect on what it takes to perform in such a high-pressure leadership role. For those who lead others in any capacity, you understand that people value good leadership—integrity, determination of mind, value and appreciation for the team that drives the company forward, communicating clear vision, demonstrating conviction and compassion, being thoughtful and bold. Other qualities and behaviors could easily be added here.
But being a great leader does not come about quickly. It is a lifelong accumulation of wisdom through attempts, failures, self-evaluation, humility, and grit. We see that our leaders are obviously flawed men and women who are still developing themselves, both personally and professionally. You say, “But they should have it together to be at that level of leadership!” Indeed, we hope so…but it is not the case, is it? There are always areas in which to grow. The one who stops learning stops developing. Sure, leaders must convey confidence in public life but are our leaders personally developing in character, knowledge, and skills? To personalize this, are you purposeful about your own development as a leader?
No president will get it “right” every time—not even Washington or Lincoln—just like no modern CEO will accomplish that. But we do long for one who is thoughtfully learning, demonstrating good character, and leading by serving others with compassion. In short, we long for a strong ethos. Let Presidents’ Day remind us of the heavy weight carried by those in senior leadership, that both strengths and flaws mark the lives of all leaders, and that all of us are still becoming the leaders we long to see. It is a lifelong journey and we each are responsible for our own development. What you long to see in others should be exemplified in you.
Which U.S. President inspires you and why?
Fun Fact: Presidents' Day never falls on the actual birthday of any American president. Four presidents—George Washington, William Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, & Ronald Reagan—were born in February, but their birthdays all come either too early or late to coincide with Presidents' Day.