Be Described A Gentleman

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Image of Ronald Reagan in a tan suit walking and waving to the crowd. The president would always be described as a gentleman.

Photo courtesy of Ronald Reagan Library

Be Described a Gentleman is an excerpt from Lead Like Reagan, Principles of Dynamic Leadership …
In doing research for my book on the leadership style of Ronald Reagan, time and time again I recognized in Reagan some of the same strengths and attributes I saw in my father, James Scanlon. They were both gentlemen.

Those who were closest to Ronald Reagan are very consistent in the words they choose to describe the type of person he was, and the type of person he was not. There seems to be a wide consensus of what Ronald Reagan was not, by those who worked with him, wrote about him, protected him, fought for him, and lived with him. Ronald Reagan was:

  • Not condescending to others,
  • Not arrogant,
  • Not rude,
  • Not ungracious,
  • Not disrespectful to his wife,
  • Not egotistical,
  • Not boastful,
  • Not quick to anger.
  • He was not one to use foul language, or be ill-mannered.
  • He was not impolite or disrespectful of others.
  • He was not prone to put on airs.
  • He was not one to complain about personal setbacks or physical ailments.
  • He did not treat people differently because they were rich or poor, powerful or not powerful, of a different color, race, or creed.
  • And, like my father, Ronald Reagan did not like to gossip about others.

Therefore, it was no surprise to discover that, at his funeral, so many people used the same words to describe Ronald Reagan as they did my father; a true gentleman.

You know the same people

As you read this, I am sure you have known people who fit the same bill. And, you know how unique they are. What a wonderful way to lead their life, and to lead others.

Are you slow to anger, do you avoid coarse language, have you stopped complaining about the small stuff? Do your friends, family, and coworkers see you as a gentleman or a gentlelady?

Maybe we would all benefit from working on the “nots.” learn more about the book, Lead Like Reagan here.

Queston: Are you working the ‘nots’ out of your life?

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Category: Reagan Leadership
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One thought on “Be Described A Gentleman”

  1. Garrett,
    I love this article! With so much media centered around people who behave like spoiled adolescents, it’s refreshing to read about the importance of a noble character, particularly in men. My father, husband, and brother-in-law are men. True men, the kind you describe here, and I have often heard them described as gentlemen. I admire and respect all three of them for the way they behave and how they lead their families. I am blessed to have such strong men in my life, and see the lasting and profoundly positive effect on the women and children they love. It warms my heart to know my daughter, niece, and nephews have strong male role models in their lives. Thanks for writing this, Garrett – Ronald Reagan and your dad would be proud!