What the American Revolution Teaches Us About Leadership

This July 4th holiday will recognize and celebrate 250 years of American independence. The American Revolution is one of the greatest social experiments in all of human history. Through measured goal-setting and major risk-taking, a ragtag army of backyard soldiers and a leadership team of ambitious dreamers defeated the most powerful military force on Earth to become a sovereign nation. Two and a half centuries later, the United States remains one of the most influential countries on the globe. Had early revolutionaries not had efficient leadership skills, America would most likely cease to be.

When the Founding Fathers decided to move forward with the Revolution, they knew that defeat would likely result in lifelong imprisonment or execution. Still, they believed that the potential reward was worth the risk. While the average person does not normally face these life-or-death predicaments, we can learn a thing or two about the importance of taking healthy risks. When we remain stuck inside our comfort zones, we become complacent. This can ultimately lead to burnout, boredom, and feelings of unfulfillment. Entering our stretch zone, the space outside of our comfort zone that explores healthy risk-taking, can open the door to an abundance of new opportunities which can help us to grow both professionally and personally. As risky as it was to revolt against Great Britain, American colonists knew that they could expect continued taxation without representation if they simply accepted their current situation and did nothing. Sometimes, we find ourselves choosing to stay in situations that make us miserable simply because we get comfortable with complacency and anxious about the unknown- even if we know that the unknown has the potential to be much better than the situation we are currently in.

The Founding Fathers were also extremely efficient communicators. Effective leadership not only requires clear communication to convey strategy, but also to inspire action from others. In the heat of battle, conveying a plan of attack to volunteer soldiers from a variety of backgrounds required a clear message. Convincing these soldiers that the American cause was worth losing their lives for required a different level of communication entirely. In our everyday lives, we can inspire others and exude confidence by making simple changes in the way we interact with people. Giving a handshake that is firm and succinct while maintaining proper posture and solid eye contact will give the impression of professionalism and self-assurance. If a person presents themselves as anxious or unsure, it is unlikely that their message will be received in the same way. Polishing our speaking skills can motivate our audience to be more active listeners who are called to action as a result.

Two key leadership skills on full display during the American Revolution were open-mindedness and thinking outside the box. While democracy was first practiced by the Greeks, the government style the United States adopted was a brand-new invention shrouded in uncertainty. The American experiment required observing new challenges through a unique lens and tackling each problem with creativity. While some believed that the American vision was an impossible dream, revolutionaries were open-minded to the possibility that goliath problems could meet realistic solutions. When George Washington voluntarily stepped down from his position as president, many were astonished and anxious about what the potential consequences would be. Washington allowed himself to pass down his presidential power to people who had very diverse belief systems from each other. While our current political landscape can be brutal at times, there is value in being open-minded to hearing the perspectives of people whose opinions differ from our own. When we close off our minds to new opportunities or ideas, we may be sacrificing possibilities that could have a positive impact on ourselves or others. There is value in challenging our personal beliefs and asking questions that might make us uncomfortable. This allows us to grow as individuals and as a collective society.

America is always evolving, changing, and growing. Our nation is far from perfect but has the potential to develop a brighter future under the direction of leadership based on open-mindedness and innovative thinking. As individuals, we can become the best version of ourselves when we venture outside of our comfort zones, learn to become efficient communicators, and allow ourselves to be creative thinkers who are willing to consider other perspectives. Exploring America’s humble beginnings is a good reminder that everyone has the potential to be an effective leader no matter their background.