Success of business or a country rises or falls on leadership and character.  My friend Orrin Woodward, is a student of history as well as business. Lessons for today’s leaders can be found in books like Flexner’s “Washington, the Indispensable Man” and other history classics.  – Jody Victor

Jody Victor : Orrin, who in history provides a role model for today’s leaders?

Orrin Woodward: George Washington for one.

Jody Victor:  What message from Washington’s time still applies to us in 2004, Orrin?

Orrin Woodward: Many messages, Jody. Flexner’s book introduces us to a real Washington. Not a cartoon character. Washington is depicted as a man of strengths and weaknesses.

Jody Victor: Did any of his life accomplishments stand out to you?

Orrin Woodward: During the long frustrating campaigns of the revolutionary war, Washington did what perhaps no other man of his time could have done, and that was to hold together some semblance of an army in the field.   

Jody Victor: Was he a self-promoting glory seeker like Napolean?

Orrin Woodward: No. One story that comes to mind was of Washington leading the army to victory, but then making the big step of turning the glory and power back to Congress by turning in his sword.

Jody Victor: How have you benefited by studying Washington?

Orrin Woodward: Day to day life lessons.  Over time, Washington became aware that his behavior could impact future generations; he focused on building his own good character.

Jody Victor: What is one of Washington’s key character qualities?

Orrin Woodward: Persistence.  He was willing to work and even suffer in the pursuit of a noble cause.

Jody Victor: Any final insight, Orrin?

Woodward: My friend Chris Brady said it best, “In our cynical age of anit-heroism, of worshipping the mediocre and edifying the profane, Washington's example stands as a lighthouse in a storm. 

Orrin Woodward: President of Team of Destiny Inc. & and is co-founder of Team of Destiny

Jody Victor leads MarkerMan Productions and is past president of IBOAI, Independent Business Owners Association International and serves on the prestigious President’s Cabinet.