Ronald Reagan is known as one of the greatest communicators in history. You don’t have to like his politics or him to understand this truth. However, in 1984, when debating Mondale for the first time he appeared tired and lost. James Baker called in the calvary, so to speak. He hired a “communications coach” named Roger Ailes.
Roger showed up for Reagans rehearsal for debate two and promptly changed the environment. He got rid of lots of folks in the audience and said very little. He allowed Reagan to make mistake after mistake. When Reagan got it right he simply said, “Nice job, Mr. President.” After a couple days, Baker told Roger to keep doing what he’s doing cause it’s working some kinda magic. Reagan looked rejuvenated. Rogers coaching was simple. He stopped calling out his mistakes. He helped Reagan re-discover his own voice. He let Reagan simply be Reagan.
Debate number two was in K.C. and will be remembered as one of Ronald Reagan’s kairos moments. Today, in practice 38, Jeremy sounded a bit Reaganish when he described his takeway. Reika sounded like Reika with an artistic edge to extrapolate. TZ showed me a side of him I hadn’t seen as he mocked my Jayhawks in the best kinda way. Practice 38 was magic with this team of eight. We didn’t cover Feynman as planned and we didn’t cover my content as I had hoped. Practice 38 was one to remember cause so many of the eight sounded great.
Remember, we connect best when Y.O.U. are the message. And, Y.O.U. ought to read Roger’s book by the same title. Funny, huh…
Again, remember, you and I connect when you are believable; not necessarily when you’ve memorized all kinda facts and figures. Who knew we elect Presidents the same way.
BUILT TO LEAD 