“Of all the strengths (Franklin) Roosevelt displayed…none was of greater significance than his ability to assemble and sustain a remarkably talented and staunchly loyal team that would remain together in the years ahead.”
– Doris Kearns Goodwin, in her book, Leadership: In Turbulent Times
It’s almost as if FDR was into the REELAX Model! Assemble and sustain are a lot like “recruit and retain!”
The recurring theme in Goodwin’s capture of what made these four presidents such strong leaders during turbulent times is consistency.
The best hope we have in turbulent times is to have put in place teams and approaches that serve us well with tailwinds, no winds and in turbulent times. Roosevelt’s success during tough times was because he’s built the foundation before the times got tough.
The last thing our teams need in tough times is abrupt changes in our approach, unless the times are perfect-storm turbulent.
And it really does start with talent. Assemble and sustain a team that will remain together… Lead them consistently and predictably and no matter the turbulence, smooth navigation and safe arrival become much more likely.
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