“Leadership in Turbulent Times” is a book authored by Doris Kearns Goodwin and published by Simon & Schuster in 2018. This book delves into the lives and leadership acumen of four notable figures: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.

This summary provides an overview of the book.

The book, “Leadership in Turbulent Times” starts with the question if leadership is nature, or nurture

This book offers a penetrating analysis of leadership through the prism of four prominent former US presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Goodwin unravels how each recognised their own leadership prowess and earned recognition from others as formidable leaders.

She takes the readers through these presidents’ early journeys into the public sphere, through uncertain times shadowed by trepidation and beams of hope. This renders one to empathise with the difficulties faced by these men and to appreciate the transformative processes ignited by the struggles, that ultimately turned them into gigantic leaders.

Goodwin meticulously dissects their approaches and the consequential outcomes, employing in-depth case studies of the crises that fundamentally shaped their leadership. She also unveils the qualities that define leadership.

In the author’s words, “Leadership in the Midst of Turmoil” presents an indispensable and accessible road map, not only for current and aspiring leaders but for all individuals to apply the gained wisdom in their everyday lives. So whether one is currently in a leadership role or aspires to be a leader, this book serves as a valuable compass for the journey

Abraham Lincoln—Emancipation Proclamation and the Evolution of Leadership

On 4th March,1861, Abraham Lincoln assumed the mantle ?as the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln grappled with a number of challenges during his time, including the Civil War. He also issued orders such as the Emancipation Proclamation, which was a historical milestone in the US history which ultimately paved the path to eradicate slavery.

Lincoln’s humble beginnings forced him to halt his formal education and go on to labour on his father’s farm. However, driven by a thirst for knowledge, he embraced a journey marked by solitary study. He became a lawyer, a Federal Deputy, a cofounder of the Republican Party, before eventually becoming the President.

In his nascent political days, Lincoln astutely observed the assembly, thus gaining an understanding of the intricate details of the inner workings of the assembly. With this knowledge he went on to orchestrate his subsequent strategic successes.

Unfortunately, he was assassinated in 1865, thus terminating his term prematurely.

THE CONFRONTED CHALLENGES AND THE PIVOTAL CRISIS

Goodwin posits that great leaders are moulded in the crucible of crises and challenges. Lincoln’s life attests to this, defined by a tumultuous upbringing and episodes of profound despondency. The most critical trials during his presidency were the Civil War and the ratification of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The civil war compelled Lincoln to unify a divided nation grappling with the schism between the secessionist South and the unionist North. Simultaneously, the question of slavery loomed large. Lincoln’s mandate was to shepherd the nation toward reconciliation and unity while dismantling the institution of slavery. This transformative leadership necessitated profound learning, as we shall soon explore.

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

In “Leadership in the Midst of Turmoil,” the book reveals that Lincoln’s pursuit of the Emancipation Proclamation was fraught with obstacles and adversities, eventually culminating in its ratification in 1865.

To decipher Lincoln’s insight into the opportune moment for such a transformative shift, Doris Goodwin dissects the following principles:

• Know when to change direction: You must understand that if something is flawed and does not happen as it should, a new direction must be taken;

• Gather information: Conducting research, getting as much information as possible, and asking the right questions is very important to reflect and strategize from there;

• Prevent obstacles: As a leader focused on transformation, it is critical to predict the opposing viewpoints and how they can aggregate or disrupt your strategies.

Against the backdrop of leadership amidst turbulence, Abraham Lincoln’s enduring teachings underscore the significance of agility, foresight, and transformative influence. Through his journey, we understand that these attributes are not peripheral enhancements but rather the bedrock of leadership that steers and shapes even the most formidable challenges.

Theodore Roosevelt, The Coal Strike, and the Art of Crisis Leadership

Born in New York in 1858, Theodore Roosevelt’s narrative stands in stark contrast to that of Lincoln’s. Hailing from a prosperous lineage and boasting Dutch ancestry, Theodore pursued his studies at Harvard University, benefitting from unwavering family support throughout his journey. His political engagement encompassed roles in the New York Assembly, leadership of the city’s Police Department, and the governorship of the state. In 1900, he ascended to the role of Vice President alongside William McKinley, but the tragic assassination of McKinley in 1901 catapulted Roosevelt into the presidency, marking his eight-year tenure as the 26th President of the United States.

Distinguished for his progressive ideology, Theodore Roosevelt accomplished a range of objectives, including earning a Nobel Peace Prize for mediating a conflict between Russia and Japan. However, in 1919, at the age of 60, he succumbed to a heart attack.

Navigating Challenges and Confronting Grand Crises Theodore Roosevelt encountered his initial significant challenge through a family tragedy—the serious illness of his wife, compounded by the infection of his caregiving mother. This heart-wrenching dual loss confronted him as they both passed away on the same day. Subsequently, years later, Roosevelt assumed the presidency in the wake of his predecessor’s demise.

Doris Goodwin’s narrative in “Leadership in Turbulent Times” underscores a pivotal crisis that Theodore Roosevelt confronted—the Coal Strike. In this study case, miners united in a strike, demanding improved wages and working conditions. A critical issue arose: impending winter meant that coal was indispensable for heating homes. This exigent scenario necessitated Roosevelt’s adept crisis management to navigate a solution. The Brilliance of Leadership Amidst Crisis Every leader traverses a crucible of crisis, a facet reiterated by the presidents explored in “Leadership in Turbulent Times.” However, Theodore Roosevelt’s astute handling of management intricacies, particularly during the coal strike, sets him apart. His methods hold valuable lessons, including:

• Calculate risks and understand the correct time to get involved: always pay attention to the scenario and how it is behaving, so that, when it is necessary to act, you already have the plans defined;

• Have a crisis management team: During the coal strike, Roosevelt gathered 7 expert professionals to assist in resolving the situation. In critical moments, having a high performance team is key to finding the best solutions and achieving the best result.

Theodore Roosevelt’s narrative underscores that leadership thrives amidst adversity. The coal strike episode provides insights into his calculated risk taking, strategic timing, and adept team assembly an exemplary display of crisis leadership.

Overview: Franklin D. Roosevelt, The Great Depression, and Exemplary Recovery Leadership

Now, let’s delve into the impactful narrative of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a pivotal figure in
American history. Despite their divergent paths, Fran

klin and Theodore were linked as distant relatives, fifth-degree cousins, both gifting us with invaluable leadership lessons.

Hailing from a privileged background, Franklin Roosevelt relished an education marked by affluence, graduating from prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Columbia University. Setting his sights on the presidency at a young age, he charted a comprehensive 4-step plan at 25, eventually realizing the first two steps— serving as a Senator in New York and later as Secretary of the Navy. Although an unsuccessful bid for the Vice Presidency followed, he clinched the governorship of New York in 1928, propelling him towards his ultimate goal: becoming the 32nd President of the United States in 1932.

Franklin Roosevelt’s legacy is defined by a remarkable tenure that spanned four terms over 12 years, cementing his status as the longest-serving President.

ENDURING TRIALS AND THE EPOCHAL CRISIS

At the age of 39, Franklin Roosevelt faced a pivotal juncture as he was struck by poliomyelitis, a condition that rendered him wheelchair-bound and posed immense challenges to his political career. Undeterred, he embarked on a years-long journey to recover both his health and his trajectory.

As the President of the United States, Roosevelt confronted two pivotal chapters in the nation’s history: the seismic shock of the Great Depression and the global upheaval of World War II. Assuming office amidst the fourth year of the Depression, he confronted a nation grappling with despair, tasked with outlining strategies to resurrect the economy and rekindle national hope.

Subsequent to the Depression’s aftermath, the specter of World War II loomed large. In 1942, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was inexorably drawn into the global conflict. Roosevelt was thrust into steering the nation through the tumultuous repercussions of this world-engulfing struggle.

A RESILIENT RECOVERY VISION

Given his stewardship through two profound crises, Roosevelt’s leadership acumen crystallized around recovery. Extracting insights from strategic analysis, several tenets of his recovery leadership emerge:

• Restore Trust: In the US crisis scenario, restoring everyone’s trust was essential. That is why the first step was to speak the truth to the population, to stipulate the next steps and, thus, win the confidence of all;

• Shared purpose: The next step was to create a shared sense of purpose with everyone. Then, Roosevelt defined that he, as leader, and the population were interdependent and would need to work together to rebuild the country;

• Leading by Example: In moments of crisis and the search for recovery, it is up to the leader to be an example and lead the team towards success.

The narrative of Franklin D. Roosevelt mirrors a voyage marked by trials and triumphs. His indomitable spirit amid personal and national tribulations demonstrates the essence of recovery leadership, epitomizing his enduring legacy.

Overview: Lyndon B. Johnson, Civil Rights, and Trailblazing Visionary Leadership

Lyndon B. Johnson, fondly known as LBJ, ascended to the presidency as the 36th leader of the United States, following the tragic passing of John Kennedy. Born in 1908 into a modest family, LBJ’s journey unfolded with humble origins. He achieved his degrees from Texas State University and Georgetown University, demonstrating his independent spirit by supporting himself through school and honing his persuasive abilities along the way.

Transitioning from academia, Johnson ventured into politics in 1937, entering the House of Representatives. Subsequently, he climbed the political ladder, donning the senatorial mantle, and in 1961, he stepped into the role of Vice President within Kennedy’s administration. Tragedy struck with Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, thrusting LBJ into the presidency—an office he held until 1969. Among his formidable achievements, his pivotal accomplishment was the enactment of the Civil Rights Act.

Following the conclusion of his presidency, Johnson retired to his ranch, dedicating his time to chronicling his experiences in memoirs. However, his health waned, and in 1973, he succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy that reverberates through American history.

CONFRONTING CHALLENGES AND THE EPOCHAL CRISIS

Lyndon Johnson, like predecessors such as Theodore Roosevelt, assumed the mantle of leadership in times marred