Carolyne's Bookshelf: Leadership In Turbulent Times

Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin

In her recent book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, Goodwin recounts how each of four US presidents -Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson - overcame great personal hardship and disruption in office and emerged better prepared to lead the people and the country. The central theme of the book reminds us what Abigail Adams once wrote her son, “The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues.” The real test of great leadership comes when times are tough, when the courage to overcome personal and professional adversities must be summoned. This is when the leader’s true character is formed.

Several takeaways emerged from Goodwin’s compelling book:

The importance of having a clear sense of purpose, as Teddy Roosevelt said, of having “work worth doing and then doing it well” and to be in a state of readiness to act when the right opportunity arises.
Resilience lies at the heart of leadership potential and success, an ability to overcome hardship and call forth a sense of hope and optimism to find a way forward, forms the character of great leaders.
An ability to communicate, to listen, tell stories, and engage the hearts and minds of others, is a characteristic shared by these great presidents, each of whom understood, “With public sentiment, nothing can fail,” said Lincoln, “without it nothing can succeed.”

From the oval office to the corner office, these characteristics of leadership are relevant to successful companies, their CEOs and boards. They emphasize the importance of having a clear mission or sense of purpose, resilience to overcome disruptions, and the necessity of effective and persuasive communication.

Governance, Book of the MonthCarolyne HydeNovember 7, 2019

The importance of having a clear sense of purpose, as Teddy Roosevelt said, of having “work worth doing and then doing it well” and to be in a state of readiness to act when the right opportunity arises.

Resilience lies at the heart of leadership potential and success, an ability to overcome hardship and call forth a sense of hope and optimism to find a way forward, forms the character of great leaders.

An ability to communicate, to listen, tell stories, and engage the hearts and minds of others, is a characteristic shared by these great presidents, each of whom understood, “With public sentiment, nothing can fail,” said Lincoln, “without it nothing can succeed.”