At the turn of the 20th century, with the shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy, corruption was rampant. Political bosses controlled elections and bribery was commonplace. It was the journalists who were able to bring to the public’s attention the corruption of big business and to create a groundswell of public sentiment against the damage done by dishonest politicians. As ICMA’s opening session keynote speaker Doris Kearns Goodwin described it, the reform movement that arose as a backlash against corruption, was also the impetus for the city manager from of government. And the city managers who first met in 1914 had leadership on their agenda. Leadership was the focus then, and it is ICMA’s focus now.

With typical enthusiasm and intellectual energy Goodwin, a renowned scholar and historian, used her study of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft to identify the traits that are essential to not only successful presidents but to city and county managers and all in positions requiring leadership. Using examples from the lives of these men, Goodwin shared these traits:

• The ability to withstand adversity; the ability to work through difficult times with positive energy. For Roosevelt, who suffered crushing losses as a young adult, his creativity in developing resiliency gave him the ability to survive sorrow and defeat.
• The ability to recognize the challenges and necessities of the times. Roosevelt understood the hidden dangers and threats that enormous wealth and terrible poverty presented. He was able to move the public to act to address the horrific working conditions and crowded, unhealthy tenements of the poor. Roosevelt made the press his partners and engaged them in educating the public. The journalists’ work led to the breakup of monopolies.
• The awareness to surround oneself with people who will challenge you.
• The ability to take criticism with grace. For Roosevelt, this included criticism from journalists, and it allowed them to maintain their integrity. Roosevelt had a remarkable ability to laugh at himself and even enjoyed the cartoons that made fun of him.
• A dedication to learning. Leaders need to understand the world around them. Roosevelt read voraciously. He was interested in everything and wanted to learn everything.
• A willingness to learn from mistakes. Roosevelt learned that he had to compromise and not be unrelenting in his staked position.
• The ability to “walk softly and carry a big stick.” Roosevelt was committed to negotiation but able to quit and take more action if necessary. As Roosevelt quipped, “Don’t hit unless you have to, but if you hit, hit hard.”
• A willingness to go outside “the bubble.” Roosevelt spent days traveling by train, talking to people throughout the country. He was able to speak their language and relate to them. He listened. His experiences formed the basis for this belief in “A square deal for every man—great and small, rich and poor.”
• An understanding of the importance of relaxation. Everyone needs to be able to relax and replenish their spirits.

Roosevelt had enjoyed success in his presidency and enjoyed the role, but faithful to his belief in two-term presidencies, he said that he would not run again, even though technically he could have. Instead, he picked his dear friend and colleague, William Howard Taft to succeed him as the Republican nominee. Taft shared Roosevelt’s progressive views, was morally upright, and had served well in his appointed positions in the administration. Their temperaments, however, differed considerably.

Taft was uncomfortable in politics. He was sweet and kind and lacked Roosevelt’s need to be the center of attention. After Taft’s first term in office, the progressives complained to Roosevelt that Taft had sold out to Congress and big business. Taft’s beloved wife had suffered a severe stroke. And without her support he was unable to sustain himself in the role of president. Roosevelt became highly critical of Taft, and when Roosevelt threw his hat in the ring for the Republican nomination, it ruptured their already disintegrating friendship. When it was clear that Taft had the nomination, Roosevelt bolted and created the Bull Moose Party. The Republicans lost to a split vote, and Woodrow Wilson won the election.

Fortunately, in a touching exchange, years later Roosevelt and Taft mended their rift and resumed their close friendship before Roosevelt died.

As Goodwin pointed out, Roosevelt wanted to know that he had done a good job in the job he loved. Not unlike, said Goodwin, ICMA’s distinguished service award recipients who also expressed their joy in serving in the job they loved.

In closing, Goodwin reminded us, “The public figures we have loved in history can live on through the telling of the stories of their lives.”

ICMA thanks its Strategic Partner ICMA-RC for its sponsorship of the opening general session.

Visit the Life, Well Run booth in the Exhibit Hall!