Ten Commandments of Leadership

He called the results the "Ten Commandments of Leadership". These are statements that any successful leader will follow:

Be the conscience-in-chief. President Washington exemplified the moral character of the nation all of his life and gave everyone an example of what is right.

Stay above the partisan fray and build consensus. President Jefferson knew that politics was always about relationships and concentrated on building them.

Know and supplement your limitations. President Madison knew what his weaknesses were and sought others with strengths in those areas to be allys.

Persevere over setbacks. Franklin Roosevelt fought a war and a depression while partially paralized by polio.

Play hardball when necessary. President Eisenhower was known for strong actions if they were needed although he was usually mild.

Remain calm in crisis. President Kennedy survived the wreck of his PT boat in WW II and the Cuban Missile Crisis by keeping calm and concentrating.

Be mindful of good timing when pursuing initiatives. President Johnson timed the Civil Rights Act and several other pieces of legislation to overcome hurdles.

Be a great communicator and follow through on what you say. President Reagan presented a consistent message with clarity and optimism.

Put the nation’s welfare over personal interest. George H.W. Bush implemented a necessary tax increase eventhough he knew it would cost him the election.

Stay abreast of public sentiment and find ways to change it. President Lincoln constantly met with the public to find their opinions and understand how he could make changes he felt were necessary.

All of these "commandments" are necessary to any leader in any leadership position. Their use will improve your situation whether you are a politician, the manager of a business or superintending a school system. The true leader is not always The Boss; it is often the person people look to in times of pressure. These steps will help you be that person.

Mr. Boston did not get into a political discussion but recommended that we ask ourselves which candidate would be best in each situation. Who would remain calm in a crisis? Who would persevere over setbacks? Who could play hardball if necessary? You might tear this article out of the paper and keep it for future reference.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Waxahachie where we believe in Service Above Self and doing things as a club we cannot do alone, visit the club web site at www.waxahachierotary.org . You can find American flag subscription forms there.