Comments

Very nice introduction - and may I suggest a book that I have just finished on Abraham Lincoln entitled Team of Rivals(by D. Goodwin). The qualities you mention here of leadership and the personal attention that great leaders give is found throughout Lincoln's presidency. For example, the 13th Amendment was narrowly passed because Lincoln called in a couple opposition members that were wavering and so charmed them that they voted for it.

I must admit I found Tom Peters later in my career than I care to admit (a few weeks ago) - and it is very striking how Tom's positions are borne out so well by those best known for embodying excellent leadership such as Washington, Lincoln and Franklin.

Posted by Martin Koning-Bastiaan at March 25, 2008 4:22 PM

Tom - Wonderful introduction and thanks for sharing this. I hope we get to read the essay in full!

The issue of charm and respect are two stand out qualities of great leaders. I hope you don’t mind if I add another such person to your list.

I’ve read thousands of words about one of my great heroes, the immortal Scotsman Sir Matt Busby who was Manager (Coach) of Manchester United Football Club (Soccer). Sir Matt died in 1994

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Busby

Unanimous opinion was that Sir Matt was a real gentleman and very charming as well as being super-effective as a soccer coach. Sir Matt was held in the highest possible esteem by all his players, his peers, all his fans and even his staunchest opponent coaches.

One such legendaryrival coach was the late great Bill Shankly, Manager (Coach) of Liverpool Football Club – Shankly was affectionately known as ‘Shanks’ by his millions of adoring fans in Britain. Shanks was also very successful as a soccer coach in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Even at his peak Shanks was in awe of the great man Sir Matt Busby.

I remember Shanks telling this story about Sir Matt.

Sir Matt invited Shankly to his office and when Sir Matt asked if he wanted a drink Shanks was too nervous to say ‘no’ (he was teetotal). Oblivious to the teetotal lifestyle of Shanks, Sir Matt proceeded to pour a large Sherry .... And Shankly drank it against all his principles - such was the awe and esteem in which Sir Matt was held - even by the great Shanks.

Lets face it some people have ‘got it’ and some people haven’t ‘got it’ – clearly the characters Tom highlights in this posting have ‘got it’ – it’s intangible but we know it when we see it or experience that charm.

Benjamin Franklin and Edward VI – sounds like a formidable US-Brit duo Tom – How we could do with them both right now!

Posted by Trevor Gay at March 26, 2008 2:12 PM