Electric leadership, innovation and integrity with Benjamin Franklin
Welcome to the inaugural post of a series I had a lot of fun writing. In this collection, I tried to imagine what would it be like if some of history’s most profound thinkers and innovators would step into the role of a modern-day manager. I’ll dive into their philosophies and traits that made them exceptional and share timeless lessons that can inspire our approach to leadership and management today.
Kicking off the series, we begin with none other than Benjamin Franklin - a polymath and Founding Father of the United States of America whose wit and wisdom left a mark on history. What would it be like if he were to manage a team in our times?
The inventive manager - franklin’s legacy of innovation
Franklin’s curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge led to inventions that changed the world. As a manager today, Franklin’s inventive spirit would likely manifest in a constant quest for improvement and innovation. He would definitely foster an environment that would promote creative thinking and problem-solving, encouraging his team to look beyond conventional methods and to find new solutions to customer needs and business challenges.
The diplomatic leader - master of persuasion and networking
Franklin, as a skilled diplomat, was known for his wit, charm and ability to persuade. His time in France where he was tasked with gaining French support for American independence, showcased his talent for diplomacy and networking. In our times, Franklin would probably be very skilled at stakeholder management, using his skills to align team goals to broader organizational objectives. His diplomatic approach would also come out when managing conflicts, ensuring each negotiation and communication is handled with tact and mutual respect.
The moral compass - integrity and ethical leadership
Franklin’s list of thirteen virtues (which included sincerity, justice and moderation) was a testament of his belief in personal and moral improvement. As a modern manager, he would bring this ethical compass to the table, making decisions with a strong sense of right and wrong, increasing his team’s trust in his leadership.
Continuous learning and self-improvement
One of his most remarkable qualities was his commitment to self-improvement and lifelong learning. Franklin believed that one’s education is never complete and every day presents an opportunity to learn and grow. His approach would be highly relevant and sought after in today’s changing business environment. As a manager, he would probably encourage his team to expand their skills and knowledge to adapt to new challenges and seize new opportunities.
Five lessons from benjamin franklin for modern managers:
Cultivate curiosity - seek to learn and understand more.
Embrace innovation - don’t be afraid to try new things and think outside of the box.
Practice diplomacy - a persuasive and respectful approach often yields better results
Commit to integrity - let honesty and ethical principles guide your decisions
Serve your community - your work has a wider impact so aim to contribute positively to your team and beyond.