Learning Presidential Leadership

Brilliance in leadership is a product of charm, energy, commitment, and courage. Character traits that above all else, are valued most. #DailyMight

Believe it or not, Presidents Day is one of my favorite holidays that is celebrated in the US. Besides granting most American workers the day off as celebration of two historically relevant US Presidents, it is the leadership accomplishments of two men that draw me to the day that celebrates them.

Both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who the day is generally celebrated for – in addition to all US President office holders – are notable men who exhibited strong leadership integrity in times of slavery, devastation, and major civil unrest. Those are leaders who we can learn from.

George Washington.

George Washington led the army that secured the independence of the United States. An act of perseverance, courage, and vision that helped create a republic centered around the ideal of a representative government. The doctrine of liberty endorsed by the American Revolution would transform the old world.

Abraham Lincoln.

President Lincoln is famous for leading the nation through the American Civil War, the most significant constitutional, moral, and political crisis. Additionally, he preserved unity, eradicated slavery, reinforced the federal government, and modernized the economy of US.

It’s important to note that neither Washington or Lincoln were perfect human beings. Each had sometimes racially inspired flaws that kept them from being Godlike. However, their importance in leadership training is undeniable. Without the government foresight of Washington, to create and run the fist presidential office and Lincoln’s desire to unite a country and establish equal playing fields – we would not have the country we have today.

Not minimizing the impact of these two game changing leaders, but we can pull a few of their notable leadership traits into youth sports:

Vision. First and foremost, Washington knew that his presidency would set a precedent for future presidents, and he took the responsibility seriously. He created a plan that holds true still to this day of how a government should run. Make sure you do the same with your youth sports team – create a plan.

Integrity. As a leader, the people that you are leading must believe in you. During the war, both soldiers and civilians persevered and followed Washington’s vision and goals because they trusted him. They believed in his vision, and they trusted its outcome. Washington was a man of great integrity who people would follow.

Temperament. Lincoln had several characteristics, long before he was a leader, that led naturally to his leadership style. He was known for his patience, drive, attention to detail, strong sense of responsibility, and firm moral conscience. All of these characteristics drew people to him and contributed to their trust in him. All character traits of strong youth sports coaches.

Overall, Washington and Lincoln are generally known for their character, and to a lesser extent their intelligence and education that their predecessor’s possessed. However, their brilliance in leadership was a product of their charm, energy, commitment, and courage. Character traits that above all else, are valued most.

Give everything your everything. And then some.

If you’d like, connect with me on Twitter and Facebook, where I’ll share near daily insight on helping you navigate youth sports.