Leadership Characteristics Of Theodore Roosevelt's Ethical Leader

Franklin Roosevelt became one of the most successful presidents in U.S. history due to the three character traits of optimism, perseverance, and leadership. Roosevelt's optimistic attitude gave Americans hope to keep fighting through the Great Depression and World War Two, were most Americans were ready to give up. Jean Smith presents this idea when he quotes Roosevelt in his Presidential Biography FDR writing, “This great Nation will endure as it has endured will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that only thing to fear is fear itself… The effect of the speech was electrifying, the praise all but unanimous. No one doubted that a new era had begun” (Smith 302-303). Franklin Roosevelt lit the fire back

He worked with and through his military advisors… and took an active role in choosing field commanders and in making decisions regarding wartime strategy” (FDR Presidential Library and Museum 3). A great leader should not only be able to take care of his country’s financial and domestic problems on the home front, he should be able to lead his country to victory during wartime. Roosevelt was obviously successful in both of these areas. As a result of his great leadership, Roosevelt is believed as the greatest president of all time.

Theodore Roosevelt was renowned for his foreign policy that stated: speak softly and carry a big stick. This meant that Roosevelt handled foreign affairs with a tranquil state of mind, but also threatened with the military if things did not go as planned. Roosevelt utilized this ideology to navigate America in the right direction. The Great White Fleet abided by this policy, specifically. From 1907 to 1909, the fleet sailed the seas and made history. Not only did this publicity stunt grant America the respect Roosevelt had hoped for, but it also altered world affairs significantly.

Upon McKinley’s assassination, a (relatively) young Theodore Roosevelt found himself in the position of President of the United States. A man of action – perhaps unnecessary action- Roosevelt was unafraid of the political consequences of his bold and often unilateral decision making, both domestically and abroad. U.S. governance in the Philippines had already

As not only President but Commander in Chief, Roosevelt had an obvious ethical appeal to the general public, and his advice concerning war involvement and interpretation of this event will forever depict most American’s view of the attack. Seeing as ethics aren’t in question here, it was not necessary for Roosevelt to spend much time proving himself trustworthy. However, he does show strength and courage in the midst of in a time of fear and dismay. He also plays on the values of Americans by

Remember that the best leaders never stop learning also applies to Roosevelt. He knew that he had to learn from his advisors as well as the American people and had to listen to what they wanted as well. He learned from people wherever he went. Because he was a fan of Progressionism he knew that to go forward he had to listen to more than just what he thought, and that he couldn't be stubborn.

“We wish peace, but we wish the peace of justice, the peace of righteousness. We wish it because we think it is right and not because we are afraid.” Theodore Roosevelt not only spoke these words, he lived them. Throughout his life Theodore always worked hard and fought for what he believed was right. Even though he had to overcome many obstacles, Theodore always strived for peace and righteousness. Theodore Roosevelt was an amazing political leader because he protected America’s natural heritage, brought peace to countries at the brink of war, and helped pass many laws that protected the American people’s rights and land.

FDR's leadership, as well as the other leaders discussed in our text, are individuals whom are a learning tool for the future. As demonstrated throughout history, leaders and society continually learn from our progress, development, and our continue to evolve effectively. History has taught us that it is wise to learn from our past. In this specific case, learning and teaching ourselves of the traits and leadership that FDR possessed is an important lesson in understanding how leadership evolved to where it stands today. FDR also teaches us about the effectiveness of visionary charismatic leadership, and the impressive obstacles that can be conquered using this specific set of character strengths.

Roosevelt was an idealist and his fundamental belief was service. Every opportunity he had to speak to the people, he emphasized everyone’s responsibility to do their part to make America better. For example, in 1943, the coal miners called for a strike. Before they could, Roosevelt took control of the mines to prevent the strike. During his fireside chat, he once again, appealed to the values of patriotism. In his speech, he pointed out the connections of their tasks as coal miners to the men on the battlefields. Roosevelt associated the goals as the same for they were all interdependent on each other for success in the war (Alexrod, 2003).

What are the best qualities, or traits to have absolutely no vision? How does a person become unethical? In would be very interesting if people actually asked these questions, but actually the opposite has been proven useful for those that strive to become visionary and ethical leaders. This is especially true for the great Ronald Reagan. The combination of a highly admirable ethics, and great visionary accomplishments has made Ronald Reagan one of the most important American Presidents and leaders in history. This essay will give a better understanding of why Ronald Reagan was a visionary leader, to include specific examples of his visionary leadership traits. Then an examination of why he is an ethical leader to include two specific displays that proved he was an ethical leader when tested will be accomplished. Once those are all presented, I will take the time to explain the personal relevance and impact this has on my leadership. To further understand this, an evaluation of Roland Reagan’s Visionary Leadership needs to be accomplished first.

Attitudes about human rights and foreign policy at the turn of the nineteenth century revolved around the increasing belief in eugenics and an imperialist attitude toward “uncivilized” nations. Based on its eugenic and imperialist implications, the most important sentence in Theodore Roosevelt’s 1899 “The Strenuous Life” speech was “if we shrink from the hard contests where men must win at hazard of their lives and at the risk of all they hold dear, then the bolder and stronger peoples will pass us by, and will win for themselves the domination of the world” (Roosevelt 7).

Roosevelt's pledge to his constituents as well as his political prowess and strong-willed demeanor placed hopes in the hearts of Americans. On the eve of his inauguration night alone, "Roosevelt told the nation that `the only thing we have to fear is fear itself and promised effective leadership in the crisis (Rosen)." Furthermore, throughout his four terms in office, FDR sensing that the American people needed guidance as well as comfort continued to aggressively lead the United States out of the Depression and later on persisted with his unique style of leadership as he was forced to take his constituents to war. During his time as president, Roosevelt's America was in a crisis and like most other nations throughout the world, in the same predicament; it thirsted for an exceptionally good leader with a superior moral compass and determination that was willing to take charge and point the way to a brighter future.

Americans have become used to politicians who will not go against their party’s line. Instead of having numerous free thinking elected officials who come together to ensure the welfare of society, we have two parties that control almost everything. This was not how Theodore Roosevelt led our country. He was a visionary and ethical leader. This paper explains why by describing Theodore Roosevelt’s use of visionary leadership to protect America’s natural resources by being an emotionally flexible leader and using his inspirational motivation. Theodore Roosevelt was an Ethical Leader because he put service before self by resigning from the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy to fight in the Spanish American War and was a free thinker who went against his party to protect the welfare of society. Theodore Roosevelt has personal relevance in my development as a leader by modeling service before self and allowing me to see how I can improve my inspirational motivation. In order to understand Theodore Roosevelt as a leader, you should first know the impact of his visionary leadership.

One of the vital attributes to being a successful leader is effectiveness in communication. While America was being faced with one of its most challenging periods in history, the Great Depression, 32nd US president Franklin Roosevelt garnered great public popularity through open communication. President Roosevelt used his famous “fireside chats” to reassure the public during the difficult times of the recession (Corbett et al, 765). I think his radio addresses to the American public were a genius idea that put confidence back into the citizens struggling with a failed economy. Roosevelt would explain what was happening and why as well as what was being done to remedy the situation. Generally for most people in troubling or stressful times it is always calming to have more in depth information rather that the “fear of the unknown”. Effective communication is just one of the many great attributes that make Franklin Roosevelt an effective leader.

Theodore Roosevelt- Courage: The 26th president of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt, was a very well-liked president; mostly because of his personality. He was a hard worker and played many sports including boxing, fishing, running, and mountain climbing. His childhood really influenced his personality and character traits that they carried on to when he became the leading general at the Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American. He led what was known as “The Rough Riders”. His impeccable courage guided the Americans to victory. Also, when he became president, he created the “Square Deal” which helped the American get out the coal shortage slump. His courage to get Americans through droughts and rough times shows that he can be a great leader. As Teddy Roosevelt showed, courage can guide people to victory, as he did in the Battle of San Juan Hill.