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Leadership

summary ofLeadershipBook by Doris Kearns Goodwin, PhD

12 min
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You’ll learn

  • The four leadership styles
  • What it takes to lead people effectively
  • How to combine styles to achieve success
  • Which historical leaders we can learn from today

first KEY POINT

A good leader can function in turbulent times

The United States has a proud past that has been pivotal in the history of civilization in modern times. The U.S. also boasts excellent policies and laws, making it an attractive and fruitful soil for anyone looking for opportunities. America is the jewel of the new world, and everyone wants a taste of it.The U.S. achieved this status because of its extraordinary list of astounding presidents that have graced the Oval Office, each leaving an astonishing legacy. We cannot speak of all, so we'll focus on a few who represented or pioneered the general recurring themes and styles: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. These great presidents left templates for their successors to follow and improve on.The achievements of these leaders are even more remarkable, considering they had to take office in turbulent times. Leadership in such times tests not only the office but also the leader. Overcoming challenges is what determines if a leader is capable.

The actual quality of a great leader is how well they perform under pressure.

While other leaders may not have had the same challenges, these American presidents stepped up. They fought many wars, some with the pen and others on the battlefield, leading the country and the world, albeit indirectly, to a better future.This summary will give a detailed account of these presidents, their challenges, and the unique traits that helped them overcome their hurdles. All came out on top because they cultivated superior tactics effective for the problems they had to solve.

second KEY POINT

Ways to be a leader

There are many styles of leadership, but let's start with transformational leadership. This type refers to policies and laws that outrightly transform a nation, its economics, culture, and people. It is a sort of bloodless revolution that sometimes causes bloodshed.Transformational leadership seeks to improve and transform the lives of the populace. Such a leader can affect the lives of his followers in several ways: mentally, physically, and socially. Take Abraham Lincoln, for example; he led the revolution that would eventually eradicate the plague of slavery and usher in a new society in America. This move meant that when the slavery-friendly South and the free North went to war, Lincoln gave the prize of freeing the enslaved people and ending slavery. A grand goal is always central to every transformational leader’s administration.Abraham Lincoln’s ambition for change came from a young age. He was always perceptive and empathetic. He spent years educating himself, wishing for a better future, and waiting for his chance to act. When he moved to New Salem, he worked as a clerk in a general store and was always kind and candid with the customers, winning their hearts. He dreamed of a political career and planned to support poor communities. Most importantly, he’d recognize his ignorance, learn, and change for the better.Lincoln knew his country needed drastic changes so that everyone had an equal chance to succeed. This core value guided his career.Transformational leadership is effective because it inspires followers to identify with something larger than themselves, such as their country or its ideals.

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first KEY POINT

A leadership of transactions

second KEY POINT

How to lead during a crisis

third KEY POINT

Creating hope where there is none

fourth KEY POINT

Visionaries who build the future

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a historian and political commentator. She has written biographies of American presidents and received the Pulitzer Prize for History.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Leadership: in Turbulent Times about?

Leadership: in Turbulent Times explores how leaders navigate challenges during crises and upheaval. Authored by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the book examines historical examples of leadership from figures like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, emphasizing resilience and decision-making.

What are the key takeaways from Leadership: in Turbulent Times?

Key takeaways from Leadership: in Turbulent Times include the importance of empathy in leadership, the value of learning from failure, and the necessity of maintaining courage during uncertainty. Goodwin highlights how effective leaders use crisis to strengthen their teams and drive social change.

Is Leadership: in Turbulent Times worth reading?

Yes, Leadership: in Turbulent Times is definitely worth reading for those interested in effective leadership strategies, especially in challenging circumstances. It provides rich insights, backed by historical examples, making it valuable for both aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals.

How many pages is Leadership: in Turbulent Times and when was it published?

Leadership: in Turbulent Times has approximately 400 pages and was published on September 18, 2018. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of the themes presented by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Who is the author of Leadership: in Turbulent Times?

The author of Leadership: in Turbulent Times is Doris Kearns Goodwin, a renowned historian and biographer known for her works on American presidents. Her expertise enriches the book with profound historical context and insights.