Visionary leadership – Be the right leader at the right time
March 4, 2014
By Jerry Bellune
March 4, 2014
Be the right leader at the right time
I’ll admit I had my doubts about Ronald Reagan.
He had been a broadcaster and actor.
Like many in Hollywood, he was a liberal Democrat.
He had led the Screen Actors labor union.
He had governed a Left Coast state, California.
Not the best credentials for President of our country.
Lesson #1: Don’t give up your dreams.
Reagan became a converted conservative.
He ran twice for the GOP Presidential nomination.
He lost both times but came back and won in 1980.
He upset an incumbent, no small feat.
But Jimmy Carter’s failings were disappointing.
It was clear we needed a change. Reagan had to be it.
Lesson #2: Be the leader others need.
Reagan was a complex character.
I sat beside him at breakfast in the White House.
He was reserved and shy at the table.
But when he rose to speak, something clicked.
He knew what he wanted to say and said it well.
It was electric as many of his speeches became.
He knew how to communicate his ideas.
He knew how to persuade us to loftier goals.
Lesson #3: Take the battle to the competition.
Democrats weren’t Reagan’s competition.
The Evil Empire, he called them — the Soviets.
He advocated cutting tax rates to spur the economy.
Controlling the money supply to reduce inflation.
Deregulation and reduced government spending.
He was a fervent anti-commujnist.
He supported the Strategic Defense Initiative.
This nuclear shield would protect us from attack.
He helped Afghanistan rebels against the Soviets.
That war drained the Soviet economy.
Endingd Soviet trade wounded them financially.
Under poor leadership, the Soviet economy crumbled.
Unable to compete, the Soviet empire fell apart.
Credit Reagan with ending the Cold War.
Want to learn more leadership secrets?
Our “Visionary Leadership” seminar may be for you.
It will be March 28 at the West Metro Chamber.
Email me for a copy at [email protected]
Next: What kind of leader do you need to be?
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