Thomas Jefferson is arguably one of history's greatest leaders, but he is unquestionably our nation's greatest visionary. Without his vision, the founding fathers would have followed the status quo, and there would have been no innovative thinking. There would be no United States of America today.
In 2003, Dr. Phil Schoenberg wrote an excellent recap of Thomas Jefferson's leadership tactics in Thomas Jefferson on Leadership.
There he defines 10 lessons leaders can learn from Jefferson:
1. Share your vision with those who follow you.
2. Set an example by giving the position all that you have.
3. Stay organized despite schedule overload.
4. Travel the right road—not the road of least resistance.
5. Be a great communicator.
6. Remain flexible and pragmatic.
7. Have a mentor and be a mentor to someone else.
8. Be a decision maker.
9. Be a life-long learner.
10. Leave a legacy others will learn from.
If you would like to know more about Thomas Jefferson's perspective on leadership, you can also read Coy Barefoot's book on the subject.
Thomas Jefferson once said, "I cannot live without books." He was a man after my own heart. He never stopped learning, and he never stopped dreaming. That's why the United States exists today.
Thanks, Tom, and happy birthday—everyone!
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