3 Ways to Build High Hopes for High-Impact Leadership

by Loreen Sherman, MBA

High-Impact Leaders are Multi-Talented. A scientist, inventor, statesman, printer and philosopher are some of the attributes Benjamin Franklin possessed. He is an example of the character fiber that constructed the United States of America as a Founding Father (January 17, 1706 - April 17, 1790).^[1] Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and was a lawyer, businessman and politician (January 10, 1815 - June 6, 1891).^[2]

Today's leaders need talent and fortitude. High-impact leaders persevere to forge new  products and services in a highly competitive marketplace. The intensity of interaction increases stress to succeed because of external and internal pressures. Recall that Sir John A Macdonald was cited as a "nation builder" because of his success in adding four additional provinces to form a stronger government. However, success on one aspect does not always mean success in every endeavor as exemplified by Sir John A Macdonald when his involvement with the Canadian Pacific Railway eventually led to the Pacific Scandal in 1872. ^[3] This led to the forceful resignation and loss of leadership when in 1874 he lost the election. Plagued by difficulties Sir John A. Macdonald faced the last chapters in his political career more weakened than his initial vision of a stronger centralized government had been. Both talent and fortitude were not sufficient to battle the threats and influences of the politics and economics of the times. In the case of Sir John A. Macdonald he turned to heavier drinking as a way to comfort himself.^[4]  Eventually Sir John A. Macdonald returned to his senses and finally understood that leaders do not possess full authority over all factors and leaders must relinquish control to higher powers and forces.

"Fortunately for Macdonald his defeat coincided with the onset of a business depression in Canada which gave the Liberal administration of Alexander Mackenzie a reputation for being ineffectual. In 1876, at the instigation of a group of Montréal manufacturers, Macdonald began to advocate a policy of "readjustment" of the tariff - a policy which helped him return triumphantly to power in 1878. He remained prime minister for the rest of his life." ^[5]  The ups and downs of Sir John A. Macdonald's political success illustrate that high-impact leadership requires fortitude and perseverance. It's not over until death.

The hope of leadership is to make a difference, a real change. The life journey of Benjamin Franklin is a wonderful testament to fortitude, innovation and tenacity which are all characteristics of high-impact leadership. A moderate upbringing led Benjamin Franklin to use his resources and with strong dedication to better himself. He faced life choices with positive energy. When his father could not afford to send him to school he found alternatives. Facing difficulties did not stop Benjamin Franklin who time and time again found innovative approaches to fulfill his desires. One such example was writing under a fictitious name, another time he ran away to better himself. He was a hard-working man who recognized his social responsibilities. 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' was actually his fire-fighting advice" ^[6] International fame came to Benjamin Franklin through his kite experiment with electricity. His goal was to improve how man lived and worked.

Three Ways to Build High-Hopes for Leaders in Today's Business Environment. There are lessons leaders of today can learn from the leaders of the past. Both Sir John A. Macdonald and Benjamin Franklin offer sound advice:

(1) Be yourself, the people loved Benjamin Franklin for who he was "a man who tamed lightning, the humble American who dressed like a backwoodsman ... a favorite of the ladies" ^[7]

(2) Consider how you can make a difference to make the world a better place. At 84 Benjamin died where 20,000 people attended his funeral and left this impression amongst the attendees "the harmonious human multitude." ^[8]

(3) Sir John A. Macdonald was "the dominant creative mind which produced the British North America Act and the unions which became Canada." ^[9]  Unity is a strong force that solidifies relationships and builds strong organizations. Keep unity as a target.

Motivation strengthens followers and supports business leadership. To learn more about how to inspire leaders today for strong leaders tomorrow visit Loreen Sherman's business presentation on Forward Motion Motivation Secrets. The role of leadership is to empower individuals and open channels and communication paths. High hopes, perseverance and tenacity account to longitude success.

How do you lead? What do you need to gain a competitive advantage, improve communications and be a high-impact leader?

Loreen M. Sherman, MBA is a Business Expert on Leadership Development who has over 20 years of inter-disciplinary organizational experience alongside faculty certification. She shares her insights and knowledge in her high-impact leadership modules and business presentations on leadership to help you at http://www.loreensherman.com/page/decisions-leaders.

As a leader you will learn how to increase your managerial decision making and learn how to optimize organizational behavior to help your company increase performance, productivity and retention.

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© Copyright 2011 Loreen Sherman, All Rights Reserved, Worldwide.

Sources:

aArticle [1]. Benjamin Franklin. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin. (July 2011).

bcdeArticle [2]. Sir John A. Macdonald - The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE. (2011).

fghArticle [3]. The Electric Ben Franklin: Quick Biography of Benjamin Franklin. IHA. Retrieved July 12, 2011, from www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/index.htm (2010).