Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

During NAFCU's annual conference last week, Tim Harrington gave a wonderful keynote address about leadership and Dwight D. Eisenhower.  It was a wonderful walk through history and leadership. What made Eisenhower such a great leader?  Harrington pointed to seven traits that Eisenhower possessed.

1. Honesty, integrity and sincerity in dealing with people.
2. The ability to plan and to communicate a vision.
3. Selecting staff well and backing them completely – If they succeed, give them the credit. If they mess up, take the blame so they remain “free to make decisions without fear.”
4. Encouraging a close family relationship – Eisenhower’s practice of visiting the troops and relating to them as individuals is now called “management by walking around.”
5. Being optimistic at all times – During World War II, Eisenhower viewed pessimism as anathema to the cause.
6. Having the ability to deal with difficult people – Eisenhower was patient yet decisive, and he always let others have their say.
7. Being humble – Eisenhower “deflected praise to others.”

Attendees picked up a free copy of Tim's new book: Eisenhower on Enlightened Leadership.  If you weren't at the conference, you can purchase the book here.

Here's a picture of Tim and his wife signing copies of his book after his speech.  He signed a copy for me as well.  The inscription gave a bit of advice.

"Be like Ike." 

Looking at those seven traits, that's good advice indeed.

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If you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I'm a big fan of John Spence. He's been nominated as a Top 2012 Small Business Influencer.  John has been a good friend of NAFCU, and he's let me share a number of his thoughts through this blog. If you have a moment, please consider casting a vote for John.