For many, the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt is a favorite time period. The reason being was that Roosevelt was not just a person who directed, but rather directed others, and then lead them in the process. His Presidency was probably one of the best examples of a person leading by example on a large scale. What can be seen in just about if not all of Theodore's life is something that most leaders fail to demonstrate.
Of of the biggest experiences was not having anyone to constantly guide him in everything he did. The reason as to why this was such a big deal was because as a child, Theodore grew up in the upper area of Manhattan and was raised not only in a wealthy family, but also as a child who proved sickly due to asthma, and because his family was wealthy, often was able to have amenities to "help him", or make his life easier. Where as in a less wealthy family, that amenity might not be available, and the child would be put into the normal environment just like everybody else. Modern day this idea is similar to the idea, of "Letting the baby cry himself to sleep, or entertain him until he is tired".
After going back to New York, and getting married (December 2, 1886) to his childhood friend Edith Kermit Carrow, Roosevelt once again began to work for the government, this time not for the New York State Assembly, but as a Civil Service Commissioner for Washington. Eventually he would resign and become a Police Comissioner. While Roosevelt was a Police Comissioner, he was able to really clean-up the city because of the way that he went out himself and took a look at what needed to be done rather than just have someone else report it to him. Sure this did put him in danger, but his job was ultimately to reduce crime, and he did was he needed to to to fullfill that position which he undertook. The quality of work that was done is most likely what would inspire President William McKinley to appoint him (April 19, 1897), Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Just as he did when he was a Police Commisioner, Theodore was very much involved in his job that he once again resigns from yet another postion only to become the Liuetenant-Colonel First US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment of the "Rough Riders". During this time, they went to Cuba because of the Spanish-American war that was going on during this time. While he is in Cuba he is promoted to Colonel. The thing that is interesting about all of this is that Roosevelt put himself in the position where he was lower ranking becasue what he wanted to do was at a lower rank; where as many people usually will only aim for the high rank bot because they want to work for a job that falls under a higher rank, but simply to have an elevated title. Theodore was not concerened about what his title was. He was concerned in doing what needed to be done, and doing it well by getting involved so he could for himself see what the problem was.
Later when he would return to New York and become the Governor, the Vice-President, and ultimately the President, he would return with experience. This experience is what helped make him remarkable. He knew what it was like for mahy different types of people and many diferent classes. He was born into a family that had already established their name, but unlike most he moved out of what may have been his comfort zone to seek for what he wanted to do. As the 26th President, he understands the times, and has a much larger view of what is going on, than most people do even today. One reason why he was able to make such wise choices was becasue of the way that he knew what it was like to be on the otherside of most of what was happening, or what he was changing. He understood what each choice he made could do. If any modern American President, or canidate were to not just take the steps to become president as quickly as possible, but to actaully take the time to go through each rank, and not just move through but stay in that rank until a or the problem was solved, they would first of all might not have enough time to become President. Sure, most people will not stand in the line of fire to protect others, but they would see how actions of just one person can change everybody else.
Auchincloss, Lous. Theodore Roosevelt. Times Books. 2002.
Meyers, Robert Cornelius V. Theodore Roosevelt, Patriot and Statesman: The True Story of an Ideal American. P. W. Zielger & co. 1902.
Roosevelt, Theodore. The Rough Riders. Collier. 1899.
"I put myself in the way of things happening; and they happened."..."During the three years' service in the Legislature I worked on a very simple philosophy of government. It was that personal character and initiative are the prime requisites in political and social life." -Theodore Roosevelt, 1984The idea of leading by action is something that is now long lost for most. The reason is that most leaders delegate not to allow others to learn something new, but to avoid having to do what they may not be comfortable with. Theodore on the other hand did just the opposite. After the death of his first wife Alice Hathaway, and his mother both on the same day, he believed "The light has gone out of my life."; he moved to the Badlands of Medora, North Dakota to put some change into his life by starting and working on his own ranch (1884-1886), unknowingly this experience would cause Theodore to develop some of the leadership skills he would use during his later term in office.
Of of the biggest experiences was not having anyone to constantly guide him in everything he did. The reason as to why this was such a big deal was because as a child, Theodore grew up in the upper area of Manhattan and was raised not only in a wealthy family, but also as a child who proved sickly due to asthma, and because his family was wealthy, often was able to have amenities to "help him", or make his life easier. Where as in a less wealthy family, that amenity might not be available, and the child would be put into the normal environment just like everybody else. Modern day this idea is similar to the idea, of "Letting the baby cry himself to sleep, or entertain him until he is tired".
After going back to New York, and getting married (December 2, 1886) to his childhood friend Edith Kermit Carrow, Roosevelt once again began to work for the government, this time not for the New York State Assembly, but as a Civil Service Commissioner for Washington. Eventually he would resign and become a Police Comissioner. While Roosevelt was a Police Comissioner, he was able to really clean-up the city because of the way that he went out himself and took a look at what needed to be done rather than just have someone else report it to him. Sure this did put him in danger, but his job was ultimately to reduce crime, and he did was he needed to to to fullfill that position which he undertook. The quality of work that was done is most likely what would inspire President William McKinley to appoint him (April 19, 1897), Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Just as he did when he was a Police Commisioner, Theodore was very much involved in his job that he once again resigns from yet another postion only to become the Liuetenant-Colonel First US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment of the "Rough Riders". During this time, they went to Cuba because of the Spanish-American war that was going on during this time. While he is in Cuba he is promoted to Colonel. The thing that is interesting about all of this is that Roosevelt put himself in the position where he was lower ranking becasue what he wanted to do was at a lower rank; where as many people usually will only aim for the high rank bot because they want to work for a job that falls under a higher rank, but simply to have an elevated title. Theodore was not concerened about what his title was. He was concerned in doing what needed to be done, and doing it well by getting involved so he could for himself see what the problem was.
Later when he would return to New York and become the Governor, the Vice-President, and ultimately the President, he would return with experience. This experience is what helped make him remarkable. He knew what it was like for mahy different types of people and many diferent classes. He was born into a family that had already established their name, but unlike most he moved out of what may have been his comfort zone to seek for what he wanted to do. As the 26th President, he understands the times, and has a much larger view of what is going on, than most people do even today. One reason why he was able to make such wise choices was becasue of the way that he knew what it was like to be on the otherside of most of what was happening, or what he was changing. He understood what each choice he made could do. If any modern American President, or canidate were to not just take the steps to become president as quickly as possible, but to actaully take the time to go through each rank, and not just move through but stay in that rank until a or the problem was solved, they would first of all might not have enough time to become President. Sure, most people will not stand in the line of fire to protect others, but they would see how actions of just one person can change everybody else.
Auchincloss, Lous. Theodore Roosevelt. Times Books. 2002.
Meyers, Robert Cornelius V. Theodore Roosevelt, Patriot and Statesman: The True Story of an Ideal American. P. W. Zielger & co. 1902.
Roosevelt, Theodore. The Rough Riders. Collier. 1899.
5,5,5
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