Lessons from great leaders series

What sets apart individuals we admire? Can we uncover valuable lessons from the character and achievements of historical figures to guide modern organizational management? Whether you’re a multinational corporation’s president or a local charity event organizer, this exploration offers personal inspiration and practical tools for fostering sustainable growth. In this series, each article delves into three readily available works on a particular historic life, with a focus on a particular issue relevant today.

Publication: “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” by Benjamin Franklin

Self-Reliance: Ben Franklin’s autobiography highlights his self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit. In a distributed workplace, individuals can leverage self-motivation and initiative to build networks and forge connections independently.

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: Franklin’s intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning helped him connect with people from various backgrounds. In a distributed workplace, staying curious and continuously acquiring knowledge can facilitate networking opportunities.

Effective Communication: Benjamin Franklin’s ability to communicate effectively through his writing and speeches made him a well-known figure of his time. In a modern distributed workplace, clear and concise communication is essential for building and maintaining professional relationships.

Publication: “Benjamin Franklin” by John S.C. Abbott

Resourcefulness: This biography discusses Franklin’s resourcefulness in various fields, from science to diplomacy. In a distributed workplace, being resourceful and adaptable can help individuals connect with diverse colleagues and adapt to changing networking environments.

Diplomacy and Relationship Building: Ben Franklin’s diplomatic skills were instrumental in building crucial relationships during his time. In today’s distributed workplace, diplomatic and relationship-building skills remain essential for networking and collaboration.

Global Perspective: His international travels and interactions provide lessons in thinking globally. In a distributed workplace, networking can extend across borders and cultures, making it crucial to adopt a global perspective.

Publication: “The Life of Benjamin Franklin” by Samuel G. Goodrich (Peter Parley)

Networking as an Ongoing Process: Benjamin Franklin’s life story emphasizes the value of continuous networking. In a distributed workplace, individuals should view networking as an ongoing process rather than a one-time activity.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: His entrepreneurial ventures and innovations highlight the importance of creativity in networking. Modern professionals can benefit from applying innovative thinking to their networking efforts.

Community Involvement: Franklin was deeply involved in his community, which expanded his network. In a distributed workplace, participating in professional communities, both online and offline, can enhance networking opportunities.

These lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s life offer valuable insights for networking in the modern distributed workplace, emphasizing traits such as self-reliance, curiosity, effective communication, resourcefulness, diplomacy, and a global perspective. Networking in today’s world often requires a blend of traditional and digital strategies, making adaptability and ongoing engagement crucial for success.