This past Monday, we went to the movies, enjoying our Labor Day afternoon to see the new film, Reagan, staring Dennis Quaid. I was eight years old in 1980 when Reagan was first elected as president. Over the course of the next eight years of his presidency, the movie allowed me to remember a few things here and there. Obviously, as I got older, and even now, I appreciate his leadership and the legacy he left America.

As I sat there, names and events from the past started surfacing in my mind. Looking back allows so much more reflection and enables us to see insights and the effect you didn’t know was happening in real time. At any present time, you can see leadership at work. However, looking past tense is where you see the starting results of leadership.

Here are a few leadership takeaways from the movie Reagan that I gleaned…

Reagan was known as “The Great Communicator” and “The Great Persuader.” While he exhibited several leadership traits that resonated with political and business leaders alike, his ability to inspire through communication to the general public awarded him an audience of supporters. He knew when to be serious and when levity was needed. Being a great communicator allowed him to speak purposefully and to give and maintain direction, even when others doubted his approach to situations.

His optimism in the face of adversity and his strong sense of purpose emerged as key themes seen throughout the entire film. In all of his leadership, a sense of clear vision makes this possible. Reagan knew exactly what he wanted to do and when to do it. Many tried to hold him back from being who he was meant to be, while at the same time, there were those who championed him and encouraged him to be who he was meant to be.

Reagan embodied a rare talent for simplifying complex issues without diluting their importance. What impressed me most about watching his earlier life in Hollywood was his sacrifice of knowing his stance against the influx of communism would hurt his image and alienate him in Hollywood’s future. However, if there was ever anyone to look to for an example of having a vision and a mission, it was Reagan.

As with any great leader, Reagan’s willingness to listen to different perspectives is another hallmark of his leadership. He surrounded himself with a strong team of advisors and trusted them to help make decisions, demonstrating confidence in others while maintaining accountability (in one scene, Reagan asked a cabinet member, “What did I hire you for?”).

All in all, political differences and ideologies aside, Reagan was a dynamic leader. He always took every opportunity to rally people around a shared goal, inspiring pursuit while at the same time remaining resilient, even when faced with challenges. That’s what great leaders do.

If you get a chance, go watch Reagan. You will find leadership that can inspire and motivate you.

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

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