John Adams, 6th President USA – Image Credit: Wikipedia
John Quincy Adams is famously quoted as saying, “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” This could be said of his own role in leadership of the young United States of America. John Quincy Adams followed in his famous father’s footsteps when he became America’s sixth president, but his long and impressive political career proved that he was more than capable of making a name for himself.
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Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish
[/pullquote]Adams also said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Both he and his father epitomized this philosophy. Never afraid to stand up for what they believed was right, both men worked to inform, educate, and inspire their peers in the fledgling American government. The senior John Adams inspired men to dream and become more when he encouraged the writing of the Declaration of Independence. John Quincy continued his father’s work, becoming the only president to serve in Congress after serving their term in order to continue leading and serving his country.
Throughout his life and political career, John Quincy Adams strove to become his own personal best and inspire others to do the same. Like his father, he was not content to maintain the status quo. Both men encouraged fellow leaders to think larger and become more. Adams understood that authority was not as vital as inspiration and encouragement. As a man who was, for a time, the most powerful in the nation, he understood that his role was to do more than control decision making. He proved this time after time when he proved willing to serve under subsequent presidents.
John Quincy Adams held traditional leadership characteristics, such as public speaking skills and ability to manage and organize, but he also held important willingness to put national objectives before his own personal glory. The selflessness with which John Quincy Adams led was a significant uniting element of our evolving new country. Had he been less willing to work without the highest authority, the USA would have been missing an important long term public servant.
Describing himself as “forbidding” and “unpliable,” John Quincy Adams was a man who stood firm, even in his role of inspiring others. Encouragement never went so far as accepting a decision or action that went against what he believed.
John Quincy Adams was a leader who inspired, held firm to his beliefs, and helped make the USA what it is today.
