Which presidential leader ever made effective usage of the mass media as Franklin Roosevelt? Organized through fireside chats, Roosevelt made effective means of pioneering his policies regarding the New Deal (Foner, 879). Being, the only American president who served for 12 years, the life, and influence of FDR is critical in the history and development of America. Therefore, many leaders who face major challenges have a way of facing their crises openly. From the analogies of Roosevelt, it emerges that he set a track for many leaders who came after his tenure in office.
One element of great leadership from Roosevelt is the ability to think contextually and counter challenges before they become dangerous to the society. Roosevelt established a way of handling crises that differed depending on the situation that existed. According to Foner, FDR was a very curious man who conceived of new developments (p. 884). His intelligence and wit enabled him to open his mind to new ideas that may be of use to the nation. His propensity for being curios therefore enabled him to face numerous crises as they came and come up with appropriate means to solve them.
Love or hate the man, many Americans will admit he had effective leadership strategies. His people skills were immense as it enabled him to attract a variety of followers from all angles. He has an immense way of connecting with people that became strategic to get people to handle the affairs of the country effectively. The charisma and enthusiasm was evident in his voice and manner of presentation that amazed a magnitude in America. His unique way of learning and communicating through oration is instanced in the fireside chat of 1934 when he announced the reopening of the banks after a long time of depression (Foner, 880). During the talk, he had an intimate way of connecting with the people and motivating them to take back to the economic activities with the hope of a new nation. After the candid talk, the president received a variety of mails almost half a million, thanking the president for his hope and reassurance at such a troubled time. Therefore, FDR managed to harness the power of his personality and connectivity to enhance an effective government.
Leaders should have an unwavering self-confidence. The life and activities of FDR showed a man with extreme self-confidence in his activities. Several authors commend Franklin Roosevelt for his leadership noting that his confidence made him embrace every situation in the nation taking care to handle each issue with the mechanical organization and delegation appropriate. His decisions often emanated from informed choices upon intelligent deliberations with important personnel. During the world war two, Roosevelt made critical decisions and disagreed with a variety of advisors in the course of action to take. He had an early support for Britain, which stood firm despite oppositions and confrontations from various angles. Roosevelt took a formal stand on Hoover’s policy of intervention in World War 2 (Foner, 906).
Roosevelt also had a strong character that stood remarkable among his peers and counterparts. His strong character was ingrained with a sense of patriotism in his country as well as other country people that enabled him to enhance a mutual leadership of activity. Foner (911) asserts that at a time when America faced a problem of war, Roosevelt stuck to peace until the Japanese decided to attack the Pearl Harbor. At this time, he underwent hospitalization with courage and hope. He made a significant entry about American fearing fear and nothing else to enhance development. He used the strong character effectively in The Great Depression when he encouraged the nation and enabled them to wade through the tough times. During this time, FDR took the depression, not as another turn down in economic calendar but a crisis, which would escalate and affect a variety of people in America and beyond. This needed a smart organization to counter the permanent damage, which may affect the nation. The choice to balance capitalism and socialism at this time to enable effective benefit from both camps was a catapult to the nation. In a way, the decision created a New Deal that held new policies and changes in the federal government and the life of several Americans.
Ultimately, the life of Roosevelt and his leadership skills are quite unmatched despite a variety of criticism on his style as well as policies that cut on economics and the welfare of the nation. Ideally, several ideals occurred such as the 1937 downturn in economy that saw America go down in its economic returns (Foner, 884). This is questionable although a variety of leadership skills is derivable from the life and history of Roosevelt Franklin. The various treats are discernible from the manner that he handled his crises owing to the fact that he was president at a time when America faced a variety of challenges, from The Great Depression to World war 2. He stood in his skills to create lasting reforms during the depression as well as minimize the negative factors that accrued due to the war thus boosting the international leadership of America. His policies and visions therefore serve to make America a nation of might in the region. He is remembered today a s a critical personality in defining American politics.
Reference
Foner, Eric. Give me liberty! An American History. New York: WW Norton, 2005; 878-911.
