Four for the Fourth: Great American leaders

For this holiday, we have brought together a list of who we think are four great American Leaders, and how we can learn from them today.

By The Forefront Editorial team

When brainstorming, there is never a wrong answer… or at least so they tell us growing up. The in-house editorial team recently got together to brainstorm “What is a great American leader?” for this upcoming blog post.  A great American leader is passionate, courageous against the odds, innovative and problem-solving among many other qualities. They know how to make their way to the top. Names like Jay-Z and Sylvester Stallone were mentioned among the many names we all throughout among our discussion, again, never a wrong answer (Personally, I was rooting for Jay-Z.) but here is a list of some great American leaders for you to reflect on this Fourth of July.

George Washington, the FIRST American leader

It was impossible not to include the first president and the founder of this country. Washington was a military hero, though history tells us he knew how to work with a team and work with integrity.

” I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy.” 

Henry Ford, a leader in his industry

Ford did not invent the automobile or the way that cars were made, however he was innovative in the way that he changed the entire industry. He had a dream of making cars affordable and accessible to people across all classes and developed one of the first ways to retain good employees. He was a man of integrity and new ideas, who transformed a generation.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Eleanor Roosevelt, a leading First Lady

With odds against her, Roosevelt stood up passionately for what she believed in. She interacted with people she was serving regularly and heard them as they voiced their opinions. She paved the way for future women who are leading today.

“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.”

Steve Jobs, this generation’s great American leader

A man of unique leadership style that not only inspired a whole brand, but a whole generation. When interviewing and speaking with executives for the magazine, we hear many times how they are inspired by Jobs’ passionate leadership and innovation. For this generation, he took leadership to another level.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

 

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Enjoy time with friends and family today.