John F. Kennedy Leadership
John F. Kennedy (1917-63)
American president (known as JFK, pictured right), who captured people’s imagination
worldwide.
His 1,000 day presidency (1960-3) was ended by assassination in Dallas, Texas.
His brother and main adviser, Bobby, was also killed in 1968 during his presidential
campaign.
For more detail see...
The March on
Washington in the History Highlights section.
What can we learn from his
leadership?
1. Style over substance
He had great style and charisma (being handsome, charming and articulate, with a stylish
wife, Jackie, pictured right together with their children in 1962),
In 1960 an ex-Massachusetts mayor said that he:
“makes people want to believe in him”.
But his achievements were limited, although vitally important:
- helping African Americans’ civil rights.
- saved the world from nuclear destruction in 1962 after Russia had put nuclear
missiles on Cuba (the Cuban Missile Crisis).
He also made mistakes:
- increasing America’s involvement in Vietnam (in 1961 he sent 3,500 military 'advisers' to
combat communism).
- the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba by the CIA in 1961.
2. Character counts
Despite his political ideals (see point 3), he lacked principles, compassion and
self-control and wasn’t a good example for the rest of America to follow.
He left himself open to blackmail and ridicule through his
He learnt from his father, Joe, that winning is all important, even if it means doing something
unethical.
His family motto was “second best is a loser”.
But he was courageous enough to:
- defend African Americans.
- resist the demands of the air force to bomb Russia during the Cuban Missile
Crisis (see point 1).
3. Learning
During the Cuban Missile Crisis (pictured right with his Secretary of Defence, Robert
McNamara), he asked his military chiefs and political advisers questions and withheld his views, so they
could honestly express their own opinions and possible options.
This gave him the best information and advice to make decisions.
4. Inspirational vision
He inspired many Americans to be idealistic and fight for freedom and equality, particularly
with his charisma and great speeches.
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”, he said in
his Inaugural Address in 1960.
5. Determination
He was determined to overcome these problems:
- constant pain caused by Addison's Disease and chronic back problems.
- the tragic deaths of his big brother, Joe (pictured right above), sister,
Kathleen and son, Patrick .
- his Catholicism (considered to be socially inferior by the American elite)
.
John was the first Catholic president.
6. Pragmatism
His policies were based more on their popularity than his principles, which he adapted to suit
the needs of different situations.
For example, he was sometimes tough with Russia (e.g. his rousing “Ich bin ein Berliner”
speech at the Berlin Wall in 1963, pictured right), but also conciliatory (as in the Cuban Missile
Crisis).
He once described himself as “an idealist without illusions”, because ideals can easily get
lost in the dirty business of politics.
7. Luck and support
His family’s great wealth and political connections helped him become president - he is pictured right with his
two younger brothers (Bobby, left, and Ted, centre).
“With the money I spent, I could have elected my chauffeur”, said his father, Joe.
He was helped by many people, particularly his brother, Bobby, who was his closest political
adviser.
Best biography
Robert Dallek, An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy
(2003)
Key quote on
society
Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
Key quotes on
change
Change is the law of life.
The time to mend the roof is when the sun is
shining.
In a crisis, be aware of the danger – but recognize the opportunity.
Key quote on influencing
people
Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.
Key quote on
leadership
I am an idealist without illusions.
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
Key quote on
negotiation
“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate”.
Key quote on learning and
education
The human mind is our fundamental resource.
Too often we...enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought
Key quotes on
success
When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations.
Things do not happen. They are made to happen.
Key quote on war
Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.
Key quote on
America
I look forward to a great future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint,
its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose.
Key quote on
health
The effectiveness and creativity of the individual
must rest, in large measure, on his fitness and vitality.
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