Looking back throughout history, our nation’s leading ladies are examples of unparalleled wisdom. They sat poised next to the serving commander in chief. But, at the same time they stood and spoke up for justice on behalf of women.
It might not have always been profound words that they said but it was their style, grace, and eloquence that conveyed messages that have endured throughout the decades. As Women’s History Month 2013 begins, it is an opportunity to celebrate and honor accomplishments of women everywhere.
If we juxtapose leadership fundamentals penned in my book, Leadership Building Blocks, along with wisdom imparted by our nation’s first ladies we see evidence of their leadership traits. They showed vision, courage, balance, creativity, fortitude, global perspectives, and a commitment to leaving a legacy in countless ways.
1. Vision – Rosalynn Carter
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
2. Balance – Michelle Obama
“One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.”
3. Courage – Eleanor Roosevelt
“We gain strength and courage and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face…we must do that which we think we cannot.”
4. Fortitude – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
“Can anyone understand how it is to have lived in the White House and then, suddenly, to be living alone as the President’s widow?”
5. Global Perspectives – Hilary Rodham Clinton
“The First Lady role is really difficult. It has no job description…You have to create it for yourself.”
Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
