7
Changing the World
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Some may tell us that this is the end of an era. But what they overlook is that in America, every day is a new beginning, and every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage that never ends. For this is the land that has never become, but is always in the act of becoming.
—Ronald Reagan1
Lead Like Reagan is successfully achieved day in and day out in the trenches of life and business. Although each small step or decision along the way may not be remembered or seem monumental, when you look back upon the combined power and force of countless decisions, that is where you will find the evidence and the impact of your cumulative leadership.
Though you should not lead by looking back with regret or longing to events of the past, you should still learn from them, grow from them, and glean the elements of success from them. That said, you should not live in the future either, consumed with worry about what your legacy will be. You must live in the present, cherishing each and every moment. Yet it may be beneficial to pause periodically and think about how you will be remembered when you are no longer around. What will they remember about how you lived? About how you led? Is that the legacy you want to leave? If not, start today to lead—and live—in a way that will create the legacy of leadership that you desire.
In a post–presidential address on May 15, 1993, Ronald Reagan made the following remarks at the Citadel Commencement in Charleston, South Carolina. Far from political in tone, his speech challenged the audience to invest in the development of their character in addition to the acquisition and application of knowledge. Wise words indeed.
Sometimes, you see, life gives us what we think is fair warning of the choices that will shape our future. On such occasions we are able to look far along the path, up ahead to that distant point in the woods where the poet's two roads diverge. And then, if we are wise, we will take time to think and reflect before choosing which road to take before the junction is reached.
But such occasions, in fact, are rather rare. Far more often than we can comfortably admit, the most crucial of life's moments come like the scriptural “thief in the night.” Suddenly and without notice, the crisis is upon us and the moment of choice is at hand—a moment fraught with import for ourselves, and for all who are depending on the choice we make. We find ourselves, if you will, plunged without warning into the icy water, where the currents of moral consequence run swift and deep, and where our fellow man and yes, I believe, our Maker are waiting to see whether we will pass the rope.
These are the moments when instinct and character take command, for there is no time, at such moments, for anything but fortitude and integrity. Debate and reflection and a leisurely weighing of the alternatives are luxuries we do not have. The only question is what kind of responsibility will come to the fore.
And now we come to the heart of the matter, to the core lesson taught by heroism, for, you see, the character that takes command in moments of crucial choices has already been determined.
It has been determined by a thousand other choices made earlier in seemingly unimportant moments. It has been determined by all the little choices of years past—by all those times when the voice of conscience was at war with the voice of temptation—whispering the lie that it really doesn't matter.
It has been determined by all the day-to-day decisions made when life seemed easy and crises seemed far away—the decision that, piece by piece, bit by bit, developed habits of discipline or of laziness; habits of self-sacrifice or self-indulgence; habits of duty and honor and integrity—or dishonor and shame.
Because when life does get tough, and the crisis is undeniably at hand—when we must, in an instant, look inward for strength of character to see us through—we will find nothing inside ourselves that we have not already put there.
Lead Like Reagan
Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom, then lost it, have never known it again.
—Ronald Reagan2
It is difficult to top two presidential terms as monumental and transformative as Ronald Reagan's. He left office with the highest approval rating of any departing president and a lasting imprint of expanded freedom on the nation and the world. As he did so, he looked back with humility at all that had been accomplished—sharing his successes with those who had helped him achieve them—and with those who had elected him as their president. In his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office, he ends by saying:
We've done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan Revolution, the men and women across America who for eight years did the work that brought America back. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger; we made the city freer; and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad—not bad at all.
When you retire from your company, or ultimately depart from this world, will you look back and confidently say that you did your part, that you didn't just mark time, and made a difference? Will you have made everything around you stronger and freer and left your family, your organization, your community, and the world around you in good hands? I hope so!
Even though many dramatic changes like the fall of the Berlin Wall didn't happen until after President Reagan left office, the optimistic momentum that he had fostered toward that end was unstoppable. The speed with which events unfolded may have surprised even President Reagan, although he never doubted the outcome.
Similarly, America's recovery brought the country back to a position of respect in the world. Other Western-style economies around the globe replicated our economic miracle with similar results. Maybe in the most powerful testament to Reagan's vision, even the Soviet Union and Communist China started discussing and experimenting with some Reagan-like economic policies.
President Reagan had accomplished the two goals he had articulated to the American people, and his influence on history was just starting. The impact of his life and leadership was lasting. Now that's a legacy!
Invest in Others
Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.
—Ronald Reagan3
For security reasons, President Reagan often had to enter or leave an event through a loading dock entrance, back door, empty hallway, or busy kitchen. During these private times behind the scenes when no cameras were rolling, many observed that these were some of President Reagan's most shining and memorable moments. If the schedule left even just a few seconds of time to spare, he would regularly stop to shake hands, look into the eyes of the people who were helping and participating in the event, and genuinely thank ordinary Americans for their hard work. This is real leadership—and why he is remembered as he is. This is who he was when no one was watching. Those few who observed his simple, ordinary kindness and extraordinary humility were changed—and inspired.
Although the way in which he treated people was basically common courtesy, for someone in his position it was noticed, admired, and appreciated because it was very contrary to the behavior of a typical bossy, demanding leader. Who knows what inspiration some of these individuals recall from their short interactions with the president of the United States? Most were likely surprised that he noticed them at all and then took the time to acknowledge them. I guarantee that small action made a huge and lasting impact on those individuals. Hopefully they have chosen to emulate those traits of great leadership in their own lives, knowing the effect of simple acts of civility.
President Reagan firmly believed and demonstrated daily his belief that everyone is important. He treated even his greatest political adversaries with dignity and respect and accomplished much, much more than he would have if he had consistently attacked them. He also had a lasting and positive effect on those who disagreed with him, making them more likely to compromise with him in the future and think favorably of him, even if they held different beliefs.
Following Ronald Reagan's example, I have always made an effort to thank and engage people I meet along the way. Over time, I've learned valuable information about a company's culture or the local communities, which has helped me personalize a speech or close a sale. I give 100 percent of myself in all my presentations, but occasionally wonder, and even hope, if some of my one-on-one conversations with people before and after a speech have a bigger impact than my actual formal presentations themselves.
There's a temptation to focus on the perceived task at hand exclusively, while sometimes an equal, or perhaps even greater, opportunity lies through awareness of the people and circumstance around you and your choice to proactively interact favorably and positively with them.
Although it is crucial to get the “big things” right when it comes to your leadership, your legacy will not necessarily be remembered by your mission statement, corporate vision, or personal goals. Instead it will be remembered by the little things you did for people—or to people—along the way. Unfortunately, one poor interaction can undo many of your longtime leadership efforts. However, the good news is that just one positive interaction can do the exact opposite and leave a favorable and lasting impression on others. So take advantage of those little moments and do big things! It's an investment in others that will ultimately impact your own legacy.
The Power of Gratitude
It's been the honor of my life to be your president. So many of you have written the past few weeks to say thanks, but I could say as much for you. Nancy and I are grateful for the opportunity you gave us to serve.
—Ronald Reagan4
President Reagan made a personal connection with people. I was blessed to be able to watch time and time again the impact he had on others and how he inspired them to do and be their best. In his post–presidency years in Los Angeles, Ronald Reagan's car arrived at the office at almost the exact same time every morning. He was a man of discipline, keeping a busy schedule well into his 80s (again, a powerful example of his commitment to principles and to people, rather than committing to his own leisure or personal pursuits—even in his twilight years!). As the president arrived at the office every morning, the building's doorman would run ahead to hold open the door for him. The doorman had purchased an American flag, which he would hold in one hand as he held the door in the other hand for the president each day.
One day as he was driving in, President Reagan called and asked me to meet him downstairs with some presidential gifts from the gift closet. I grabbed some pens, a tie tack, and cufflinks, all beautifully boxed and wrapped and embossed with the presidential seal. As I met the president at the curb, he motioned for me to come over; he had a childlike look in his eyes, excited to surprise the doorman. He took the gifts, exited the car, and walked straight to the doorman, who was starting to shake nervously as the president approached him, rather than walking past him as usual.
Ronald Reagan stopped, looked this man in the eye, and thanked him for his excellence and hard work each and every day, for the obvious pride he took in his job, and for his thoughtfulness and respect in buying and holding an American flag.
President Reagan said, “Thank you for what you do every day—which is make my day!” He then reached over to shake the doorman's hand and give him the gifts—but by this time, the man was shaking, trying to hold the door and the flag, shake hands, take the gifts, and couldn't do it all. He was overwhelmed by Ronald Reagan's kindness and thoughtful awareness, and I was a wide-eyed young man who was taking it all in, watching real leadership up close and at the highest level. What an impact it made on me—for life!
We all know the effect of a simple, thoughtful gift—or even the power of a basic handwritten thank-you note. We know the meaning behind them because we all can personally recall when we received something particularly poignant and touching. So if you know how these acts of kindness have affected you, I have to ask—are you doing any? Do you have the discipline to always send a thank-you note to follow up with people you meet? Or do you take the time and forethought to arrive at a meeting with a small token that says, “This is important to me—and you and your time are important to me.” Your small habits today are a big part of your lasting impact.
Focus on What Matters
You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.
—Ronald Reagan5
Perhaps your faith plays a role in defining for you what is lasting and what truly matters. Politically, there may also be essential elements of your belief system that are important to you to pass along. Personally, there are little ways to create a big and lasting impact, and professionally your legacy needs to be considered and cultivated as well; take care to lead and live with excellence worthy of emulation.
In President Reagan's case, after leaving office, he was able to build on the tradition of establishing a presidential library. Many presidential libraries house a collection of the president's writings, photos, memorabilia, and mementos from their life and time in office and include a small museum.
Ronald Reagan personally wanted to ensure that the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, California, was also dedicated to ongoing education and learning—and would use its vast resources and knowledge base to inform and empower others, primarily the next generation of leaders. The Reagan Library is as lively, interactive, memorable, and inspiring as the man whose name it bears. It has a beautifully renovated interactive museum dedicated to Ronald Reagan's life and presidency, including underground vaults containing photographs and historic papers.
One area is reserved for research scholars, and a Discovery Center allows students to reenact an international crisis, participating as either a member of the White House press corps, the U.S. military, or the executive branch of the government. The Reagan Library also has the retired Air Force One airplane, which served five presidents. It also has the Reagan Pub, a bar moved all the way to Simi Valley, California, from Ballyporeen, Ireland, where Ronald Reagan's ancestors once lived.
The library regularly hosts public policy forums where thought leaders of the day engage their audiences in substantive ways, reflecting on the impact of the Reagan legacy with gratitude but also looking forward to the ways in which the lessons of the past can be applied with success to the future. Through programs such as this, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library continues to be relevant and is consistently engaged with the issues of the day. It is a living, thriving entity that continues to grow and change, rather than existing as a stagnant remembrance of the past.
What a great analogy for our lives as well. Do we look to rest on the laurels of our past? Or do we want to continue to grow, learn, and develop ourselves, expanding our influence, importance, and ultimately our impact? Focusing on things that are greater than ourselves and that have significance will help ensure that we are focusing on that which truly matters and will be lasting and meaningful.
Since my desire is to constantly promote the legacy of Ronald Reagan and share the impact of his life upon me, my business partner Peggy Grande, who also worked closely with the president, and I have created an executive leadership training program for business leaders using the leadership traits of Ronald Reagan in a nonpolitical way. We host these programs at the Reagan Library, which provides an outstanding location for inspiration, making a profound and lasting impact on those who attend. The Reagan Experience helps companies and individuals learn how to create a vision, build a team, communicate their message, take action and manage crisis.
I'm particularly proud of my long association with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, California. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the Reagan Library, I would highly recommend you do so. I am confident that your visit will be both meaningful and memorable.
Inspire Optimism
We Americans have never been pessimists. We conquer fear with faith, and we overwhelm threats and hardship with courage, work, opportunity, and freedom.
—Ronald Reagan6
Many citizens of former Eastern Bloc countries attribute their freedom to President Reagan's leadership on the world stage. He didn't go to war with the Soviet Union; he simply inspired optimism in the Soviet people and in oppressed people worldwide. It was the citizens of those countries who ultimately rose up and chose freedom and liberty over tyranny. They had needed—and received in President Reagan—a road map for freedom and the inspiration to pursue it.
I will always remember a frail, elderly Romanian woman coming into the post–presidency Office of Ronald Reagan for a brief visit. She literally fell to the president's feet, overwhelmed with emotion, sobbing and kissing his feet and thanking him for freeing her, freeing her family, and freeing her people from oppression. Talk about having an impact! Although our decisions and actions may not topple Communism or free entire nations, we can have a memorable and lasting impact on others and positively inspire them and change the course of their lives.
When you inspire someone, they capture your vision and make it their own. When you inspire someone, you don't need to threaten or force them into action—they freely engage—and do so with passion and energy. What you do affects others. You can choose to be deathly toxic or positively contagious. I make a conscious effort to choose positively contagious every time. So given the same two choices, which will you choose? What kind of leader will you be?
Your Life Legacy
I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life.
—Ronald Reagan7
(Inscription on Ronald Reagan's Memorial Site)
Ronald Reagan's lasting impact was never clearer than on Saturday, June 5, 2004, when at the age of 93, he passed away. Following his death, if you looked at the outpouring from every corner of this country—and from around the world—of affection and respect for a man whom many never even met, you realized that this man affected people in a way unlike any other modern leader. People felt a connection with him, as he had with them.
Like Ronald Reagan, we all want to believe that “America's best days are yet ahead,” but after President Reagan's passing, President George Bush appropriately remarked, “With the passing of Ronald Reagan, some of America's best days are behind us—and that is worth our tears.” His was a life with lasting impact and meaningful legacy.
For me personally, on the day President Reagan passed away, I received a phone call from Peggy Grande, President Reagan's personal assistant for 10 years. She told me the news and asked me, “What are you doing this week?”
I replied, “Anything you need me to do.”
“Can you be on a plane to California today?”
“Of course.” So I flew to Los Angeles that day and was honored to play a role in implementing the plan for President Reagan's interment service at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California.
As we worked through the events of the week, many of the former Office of Ronald Reagan staff returned. Reunited, we remembered our former boss with fondness and worked diligently to ensure he was honored appropriately.
On one of the days on which President Reagan lay in repose at the Reagan Library, we closed the staff office, which was offsite, to go as a group and pay our personal respects. The wait in the line was 9 hours long; people parked miles away and shuttled to the line, where they waited even through the night to file briefly past the president's flag-draped casket.
As his staff, we were allowed to park at the library and cross under the velvet ropes and take our time saying our final good-byes.
It was during that hour when I was able to witness one of the most poignant, emotion-filled experiences of my life. I witnessed an outpouring of feeling and respect from grateful Americans, representing every age, race, and station of life: a service man in uniform, saluting with tears streaming down his face; a mother with two small children, one in each arm, who looked wide-eyed, wondering why their mom was crying. From blue-collar workers in oil-stained uniforms to men and women in business suits sobbing—babies and the elderly—and those representing every corner of the world. The love for this man, again, most of whom had never even met him, was touching and powerful. Their love and admiration for him mirrored the love he had always demonstrated for this country and for its citizens.
Though not everyone has the opportunity to affect as many people as Ronald Reagan did, each of us has a chance to positively influence our families, our friends, our communities, our companies—and perhaps, in some way, even the world.
I want the story of my life to be told with celebration, remembrance, and gratitude. President Reagan inspired my life, and I want to pass along that inspiration to others with gratitude, humility, and impact. What do you want your life's legacy to be?
Changing the World
What will your leadership legacy be? Each small step, each decision of your life will culminate in demonstrating the quality of your character and ultimately determine the effectiveness and success of your leadership. By choosing to read this book, you have already proven that you are willing to invest in yourself. It is important to be a life-long learner and realize that there is always more to study and additional ways to grow.
But real leaders invest in others, too. They realize that by building others up around them, it's naturally going to elevate their success and that of their entire team. By understanding the power of gratitude, by being mindful, thankful, and appreciative of those around you, you will motivate, inspire, and give others something to emulate. You will enlist their best effort. They will want to be their best.
By keeping yourself and others focused on what matters, focused on the vision and staying optimistic all along the way, you have a chance to change the world, just like Ronald Reagan did. We have one shot at life. Don't you want to live every minute of every day to its fullest? To leave a legacy that is characterized by humility, integrity, wisdom, honor, graciousness, and competitive greatness?
Hopefully you have seen throughout this book the fact that Ronald Reagan, whether he intended to or not, created a pattern, a formula for success, that we can follow to be better leaders and inspire others.
Ronald Reagan created the vision, he assembled the team, he communicated the message, he led by example, he took action, he handled crises along the way, and ultimately, because of all that, he changed the world.
The true journey to leadership excellence doesn't end here. By implementing what we talked about in this book, it is just the beginning. Just as there was a Reagan Revolution, it now is time for a Leadership Revolution. By following these seven steps, emulating his leadership style and his commitment to principles, we all have the chance to Lead Like Reagan.