8/8/2019 Lessons From Ben Franklins Life

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8/8/2019 Lessons From Ben Franklins Life

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8/8/2019 Lessons From Ben Franklins Life

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responsible for suggesting the phrase We hold these truths to be self-evident to ThomasJefferson), Ben Franklin was always willing to give others credit in order to achieve success.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Franklin was also a master at determining what was essential for success in negotiations andwhat was merely advisable. He never confused the two. As a result, he always achieved theformer while often being able to secure a fair number of the latter. For instance, after theRevolutionary War, Franklin insisted Great Britain accept Americas independence as a

precondition for talks. In this manner, he secured the most important goal before negotiationseven officially began.

Embracing Change

By keeping an open mind, Franklin left himself open to see the changing political climate and to seize new opportunitieswell before most of his countrymen. And even though he had

many friends in high places in the British Empire, including his own son, Franklin refused to be beholden to the status quo.. Franklin once said: Declarations of a fixed opinion, and of determined resolution never to change, neither enlighten nor convince us. He held himself tothat standard as well as his countrymen. It is a principle that hasand continues toserve thiscountry well.

Think for the Long Term

It has been said that the greatest disease of modern life is short-term thinking. From businessleaders incapable of looking beyond their next quarterly statement to political leaders seeminglyunaware of a host of growing societal problems, todays leaders need to do a better job of

designing and shaping their actions for sustainable long-term growth.

Shaping the American Character

Ben Franklin was a paradox. He fiercely believed in the power of the individual, but he was arelentless advocate for acting on behalf of the community. He believed in competition, but henever hesitated to cooperate with competitors when it was in his interest. He could be the most

partisan of politiciansand the most accommodating of diplomats. Throughout his life Franklinsaw the world and its surroundings not in stark black-and-white contrast but rather in varyingshades of grayand acted accordingly.. More important, Franklin believed that as a participantin local and global affairs he could influence his world. And through his actions, he did.

Certainly Ben Franklin is a role-model from whom we can learn. These principle provide a greatfoundation which can be used to guide our leadership walk..