Ldr 531 - Leadership Style

Leadership Style

P. Lynne Prather

LDR/531

Novemeber 30, 2015

Donna Perkett

Leadership Style

On January 20th, 1981 Ronald Reagan took the oath of office for president of the United States, and at the time our nation was facing serious problems. We were crippled with high unemployment, major energy shortages, interest rates were over 21 percent and we were in the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Our military capability was in a shameful state due to the Vietnam War, our military planes needed parts, our ships were in need of trained crews and the army tanks were in need of fuel and ammunition. Many people questioned whether Americans still had faith in our country and the foundations that created this great nation. This was the country that Ronald Reagan inherited.

When Reagan left office eight years later, he had revitalized the economy, our military capabilities had been rebuilt, our position of world leadership had been restored and the spirit of the American people was revived.

Reagan Leadership Style

Along with several other exceptional presidents Reagan was definitely what would be considered a charismatic leader. A charismatic leader is someone who has attributes of heroic or extraordinary leadership abilities. Reagan had a concept of America’s potential and what needed to be accomplished. While serving as the California governor Reagan had managed to balance the state’s budget. Reagan applied the same theory and study to develop his vision and resolved America’s economic challenges.

Reagan made a point to study both domestic and international forms of communism to reach a greater understanding of the Soviet Union. With this new found knowledge he created a plan to engage the Soviet Union morally, diplomatically, and methodically. This vision was discussed throughout the campaign and was implemented and initiated as soon as he took office.

Reagan had a lot of great qualities but when I remember him, whenever he spoke you could feel his optimism, cheeriness and I especially loved his sense of humor and ability to find that humor in most situations. With that said, I also remember seeing the serious, no joking side of our president. He always kept his promises.

Reagan had great perseverance and was seriously committed to integrity. His trustworthiness was recognized by everyone he had dealings with him whether it had to do with politics, Congress, or foreign leaders. He had the ability to take resistance in stride without it interfering in his ability to provide leadership. He was a constant inspiration to this country and all Americans.  Through it all, he revived America’s spirit, restored our hopes, and strengthened our faith. (Elliott, 2015)

Personal Leadership Style