Talmage Boston is a lawyer, historian, and the author of the captivating new book “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents.” For the past 15 years, Talmage has balanced his legal career with a fervent passion for history. By dedicating his mornings to historical research before donning his lawyer hat, he has become an expert on the most influential figures in American history: the U.S. presidents.
In his book, Talmage unveils the hidden traits that separate great presidents from the merely good. He explores the power of persuasion, the importance of self-awareness, and the art of targeting messages to the vast American middle ground. Discover surprising insights, such as which presidents excelled at one-on-one interactions and which ones captivated large crowds.
Key Takeaways
[03:36] Talmage discusses his lifelong passion for history and discusses his new book “How the Best Did It.” The book examines leadership traits of eight US presidents and is aimed to be applicable in daily lives. Three key traits for successful presidents are persuasion, self-awareness, and targeting messages to the moderate majority.
[12:01] We discuss the power of self-influence and share a compelling story about Stephen Ambrose and Dwight Eisenhower.
[16:05] We discuss the role of crisis in shaping presidential legacies. While crises can provide opportunities for presidents to showcase their leadership, it’s not a requirement for greatness. Theodore Roosevelt is an example of a highly regarded president who expanded the office’s influence without facing a major crisis. We also explore how different presidents handled crisis.
[22:05] We discuss the importance of acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses of historical figures. Learning about the flaws of presidents like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan can help us understand their accomplishments in context.
We also explore the role of first ladies in presidential history. Ronald Reagan’s wife Nancy is highlighted as a unique case of a first lady who played a significant and influential role in her husband’s presidency.
[28:45] We e explore how great presidents restore optimism in America, vital for national confidence and progress. Leaders like Lincoln, FDR, Kennedy, and Reagan balanced ambitious goals with realistic actions, inspiring people to believe in a brighter future. We contrast this with presidents who struggled to instill confidence, underscoring the impact of leadership on national morale.
[33:15] We reflect on the responsibility of leadership and the sacrifices necessary for politicians to serve effectively. Discussing insights from Sebastian Junger’s book “Freedom,” we highlight the reluctance of many capable individuals to enter politics despite their potential to lead. Guests like John Avalon and Nikki Haley, both seasoned in public service, exemplify the need for courageous leaders willing to navigate the challenges of misinformation and political scrutiny. Drawing on James Baker’s metaphor of catching javelins for President Reagan, we emphasize the importance of a capable team to support and guide leaders through the complexities of national governance.
[35:59] We delve into the search for common ground in a divided America. Reflecting on recent events like the eclipse and the unifying power of sports, Jim and I discuss what it will take to bridge our nation’s divides. We explore ideas from leaders like Stan McChrystal who advocate for national service as a unifying force beyond politics. We ponder whether future leaders can rise above today’s partisan rhetoric to focus on effective governance and genuine dialogue.
[40:53] And remember, those who do not remember the past are contempt to repeat it. – George Santayana
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Quotable Quotes
"They all had great self awareness, and that means they knew their strengths, and they knew their weaknesses. As for their strengths, they were always thinking in terms of ways that they could use them for the greater good. But with… Share on X "It's not absolutely necessary to have a crisis during your presidency to be considered great." Share on X "That's ultimately about either being optimistic or pessimistic. And you're right in that most of these greatest presidents made people feel like we had a president who knew what he was doing, who had a solid, sound direction for… Share on X "Government doesn't work when you're targeting your policies to please either the extreme right or the extreme left." Share on X "Those presidents who have not had that capacity to get people excited about their dreams make it more difficult to be an effective leader." Share on X "We just have to hope that our country can survive another four years of one of them having a second term, and then hopefully they'll both be put out to pasture forever." Share on X "People have got to accept the fact that where we are is not going to improve unless high-powered people decide to enter politics." Share on X "Certainly with so many inaccuracies being spewed forth on a daily basis by our media and by other people involved in politics who twist everything, whether it's true or untrue, with little regard for fact-checking, certainly makes… Share on X "You can't take on this kind of major national responsibility as president without surrounding yourself with really smart, capable people who can catch the javelins and who can keep you functioning and keep you positive." Share on X
This is the book mentioned in our discussion with Talmage
Resources Mentioned
- The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com
- Sponsored by | www.darley.com
- Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com
- Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com
- Talmage Boston LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/talmageboston
- Talmage Boston Twitter | @talmageboston
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