What Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt can teach modern entrepreneurs about leading in uncertain times
Happy President’s Day. Now, What Does This Have to Do With Your Business?
Here’s a question you probably weren’t expecting today: What do George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt have in common with your small business?
More than you think.
While you’re not commanding armies or signing legislation, you are leading. Every day, you make decisions that affect people’s livelihoods, shape customer experiences, and determine whether your business thrives or merely survives.
President’s Day isn’t just about mattress sales and a day off. It’s a reminder that leadership matters—and the qualities that made great presidents effective are the same ones that make great business owners stand out.
Here’s the truth: The most successful small business owners I’ve worked with share more with presidential leadership than with traditional business management.
Let’s explore why.
The Underrated Leadership Qualities That Changed History (and Can Change Your Business)
When most people think about presidential leadership, they imagine big moments: inspiring speeches, decisive actions, commanding presence.
But the real power behind effective leadership—both in the White House and in your business—comes from qualities that are far less glamorous and much more underrated.
1. Humility: Washington’s Greatest Weapon
George Washington didn’t want to be president. He didn’t seek power—he accepted responsibility.
Why this matters for your business:
The best business leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers. They admit when they don’t know something, ask for help, and surround themselves with people smarter than they are.
Action step: This week, identify one area where you’re struggling. Instead of pushing through alone, reach out to a peer, mentor, or expert. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strategy.
2. Emotional Intelligence: Lincoln’s Secret Skill
Lincoln famously created a “Team of Rivals”—appointing political enemies to his cabinet because he valued their expertise over their loyalty.
Why this matters for your business:
Understanding people’s motivations, managing conflict constructively, and creating psychological safety in your team isn’t touchy-feely nonsense. It’s how you build trust, retain talent, and foster innovation.
Action step: Have a one-on-one with each team member this month. Ask them what’s working, what’s not, and what they need from you. Then actually listen.
3. Adaptability: FDR’s New Deal Mindset
Franklin D. Roosevelt faced a Great Depression and a World War. His response? Try things. If they worked, keep doing them. If they didn’t, pivot fast.
Why this matters for your business:
Markets change. Technology evolves. Customer needs shift. The leaders who succeed aren’t the ones with the best original plan—they’re the ones willing to adjust when reality demands it.
Action step: Look at one strategy you’ve been using for over a year. Is it still working? If not, give yourself permission to change course, even if it means abandoning something you invested in.
4. Clear Communication: The Fireside Chat Effect
FDR didn’t just make policy—he explained it. His fireside chats helped Americans understand complex economic issues in plain language.
Why this matters for your business:
If your team doesn’t understand your vision, they can’t help you achieve it. If your customers don’t understand your value, they can’t become advocates.
Action step: Write down your business vision in one paragraph. Read it to someone outside your industry. If they get confused, rewrite it until it’s crystal clear.
5. Decisiveness: When Waiting Costs More Than Acting
Harry Truman kept a sign on his desk: “The Buck Stops Here.” He made tough calls knowing he’d face criticism either way.
Why this matters for your business:
Analysis paralysis kills small businesses. Sometimes you have to make decisions with incomplete information and adjust as you go.
Action step: What decision have you been avoiding? Set a deadline to decide by end of week. Make the call, commit to it, then move forward.
The One Leadership Quality All Great Presidents Shared (And You Need It Too)
Here’s what Washington, Lincoln, FDR, and every effective president had in common:
They showed up consistently, even when it was hard.
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, making the best decision you can with the information you have, learning from mistakes, and trying again tomorrow.
Your team doesn’t need you to be flawless. They need you to be reliable, honest, and committed to making things better—even when you don’t have it all figured out.
The Leadership Mistakes Even Presidents Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Mistake #1: Surrounding Yourself with “Yes” People
Several presidents created echo chambers where dissenting voices were silenced. It rarely ended well.
Your antidote: Actively seek out people who challenge your thinking. The person who disagrees with you might save you from a costly mistake.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Delegate
Some presidents micromanaged their way to exhaustion and poor decisions.
Your antidote: Identify three tasks you’re doing that someone else could handle. Delegate them this week. Your job is to lead, not to do everything.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Human Element
The presidents who focused solely on policy and ignored how people felt often struggled to get things done.
Your antidote: Remember that your business runs on relationships. Check in with your team regularly. Celebrate wins. Acknowledge challenges. Show that you see them as people, not just employees.
What Presidential Leadership Looks Like in Your Small Business
You might be thinking: “I’m not running a country. I’m running a small business with 5 employees and a tight budget.”
Exactly. Which means your leadership matters even more.
Here’s what presidential-level leadership looks like in your day-to-day:
When you’re hiring: You look for character and potential, not just experience on paper (Washington built an army from farmers, after all).
When things go wrong: You take responsibility publicly and solve problems privately (the buck stops with you).
When facing uncertainty: You stay calm, gather information, and make the best decision you can—then adjust as needed (FDR’s motto: “Try something. If it works, do more of it. If it doesn’t, try something else”).
When someone disagrees: You listen with genuine curiosity, not defensiveness (Lincoln’s Team of Rivals approach).
When times are good: You prepare for challenges ahead and don’t get complacent (Washington warned against overconfidence).
Your Presidential Leadership Challenge This Week
Pick ONE leadership quality from this post and practice it intentionally for the next seven days.
Option 1: Practice Humility
Admit you don’t know something and ask for help. Notice how it changes the dynamic.
Option 2: Develop Emotional Intelligence
Have one conversation where you just listen—no fixing, no advice, just understanding.
Option 3: Embrace Adaptability
Identify one thing that isn’t working and give yourself permission to try something different.
Option 4: Communicate Clearly
Explain your vision to three different people and ask them to repeat it back. Adjust until it’s clear.
Option 5: Make a Decision
Stop analyzing and make the call on something you’ve been avoiding. Commit and move forward.
By Friday, you’ll have practiced a presidential leadership skill that many business owners neglect—and you’ll be better positioned to lead your team effectively.
The Bottom Line
Great presidents weren’t perfect. They made mistakes, faced criticism, and often led through incredibly difficult circumstances.
But they showed up. They made tough calls. They learned and adapted. They communicated clearly and treated people with respect.
You can do the same.
This President’s Day, don’t just think about the leaders who shaped our country. Think about the leader you’re becoming—and the impact you’re making on the people who depend on you.
Leadership isn’t reserved for history books. It’s happening right now, in your business, with your team, in your community.
The question is: What kind of leader will you choose to be?
What leadership quality do you struggle with most? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.
Bibliography
Research Sources:
[1] Ad Age Collective Expert Panel. (2019, December 20). 15 essential qualities every great marketing leader should have. Ad Age. Retrieved from https://adage.com/article/industry-insights/15-essential-qualities-every-great-marketing-leader-should-have/2219951
[2] Chiumaginot, I-W. (2023, November 2). The 6 Common Traits of Inspiring Marketing Leaders. Salesforce. Retrieved from https://www.salesforce.com/eu/blog/traits-of-marketing-leaders/
[3] Rolling Stone Culture Council. (2025, May 8). Culture Council: Nine Underrated Qualities of Great Leaders (and How to Cultivate Them). Rolling Stone. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/panels/underrated-qualities-great-leaders-1235331445/
[4] eLearning Industry. (2025, October 16). What Makes A Great Marketing Leader? 5 Traits That Will Set You Apart. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/advertise/elearning-marketing-resources/blog/marketing-leadership-traits-that-set-successful-leaders-apart
[5] The CMO. (2026, January 8). The Top Marketers To Follow In 2026. Retrieved from https://thecmo.com/career/top-marketers/
[6] COR. (2024, July 5). TOP 10 CMOs: The most Disruptive and Influential. Project COR. Retrieved from https://projectcor.com/blog/top-10-cmos/
Historical References:
The post references well-established historical facts about U.S. presidents including George Washington’s reluctance to serve, Abraham Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals” cabinet, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies and fireside chats, and Harry Truman’s “The Buck Stops Here” sign. These are commonly known historical facts that can be found in standard historical texts and biographies.
Want More Leadership and Business Strategy Insights?
Subscribe to get practical, no-fluff advice delivered to your inbox every week.
#leadership #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #presidentsday #businessstrategy
Discover more from Amber Otting, RPC
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Amber Otting, RPC 