A TIMELESS LESSON: FDR's Guide To Unity

​It’s no secret our highly polarized political environment presents a major challenge for today’s leaders; so how do we lead effectively when members of our teams often disagree politically? Let’s see what we can learn from the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. 

Lesson 1: Diverse Voices Strengthen Your Team. With World War II looming, Roosevelt made the bold move of installing Republican Henry Stimson—an ideological opponent of much of Roosevelt’s Democratic administration—as Secretary of War. Roosevelt recognized that for the U.S. war effort to succeed, our nation needed to be as united as possible, and that meant bringing respected and experienced leaders from both parties into his administration. By recruiting Stimson, an outspoken critic of the New Deal, but a committed champion of military preparedness, Roosevelt signaled that our nation’s security is more important than party politics. Together they oversaw one of the most significant military expansions in history, which included our nation’s first peacetime draft under the Selective Service Act. With Congress deeply divided along party lines, however, their strategic teamwork was essential to getting the Act passed. 

Roosevelt used his public speaking abilities to shift the national conversation surrounding the war. Highlighting the dangers posed by Nazi Germany, he skillfully presented the peacetime draft as a defensive measure that would protect Americans against this growing threat. He emphasized the necessity to strengthen the U.S. military in case of involvement in global conflict, and argued that military preparedness was an American patriotic duty.    Stimson used his influence and reputation to engage with reticent lawmakers, arguing that a robust military would serve as a powerful deterrent against foreign aggressors. His deep knowledge of military affairs and prior experience as Secretary of War under President Taft gave his voice authority in matters of military defense, and helped convince Republicans of the non-partisan nature of military preparedness. 

Key Takeaway: While Roosevelt’s speeches had a remarkable impact on our nation’s Democratic lawmakers and public, many Republican lawmakers would have been much more reticent to pass the Act without Stimson’s efforts, and the obvious trust he placed in Roosevelt to prioritize our nation’s interests over party politics. Today’s leaders can earn the trust of their teams by identifying and appointing individuals with expertise, even if they don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue. Respectful differences of opinion can be discussed and honored, but commonality of purpose must remain the important point

​Lesson 2: Maintain Respect While Navigating Disagreement. Roosevelt and Stimson disagreed on several of Roosevelt’s major domestic policy initiatives. Yet both leaders understood that such divergent views did not need to create a barrier to their cooperation on matters of national importance. An historic example of this dynamic is their collaboration on the 1941 Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the United States to send military aid to Britain and other Allies without directly entering the war.

The policy faced significant resistance from many in Congress, who feared sending aid would drag the United States into war with Germany. Working together, Roosevelt and Stimson framed the issue as one of national defense, rather than foreign intervention. Roosevelt employed public relations techniques, such as his famous “garden hose” analogy, which depicted Lend-Lease as lending a garden hose to a neighbor whose house was on fire—meant to simplify the idea that helping Britain fight Nazi Germany was in our nation’s best interests. 

Stimson, meanwhile, sought to assure lawmakers and business leaders the policy was necessary to protect the United States’ interests across several fronts. He highlighted the role unresolved war debt after World War I played in the Great Depression, and argued focusing on immediate military aid (rather than loans) could prevent history’s repeating itself. His persuasive testimony before Congress not only convinced many that failure to pass Lend-Lease would allow the war to spread to American shores, but that it was necessary to prevent another depression. Ultimately, their joint efforts secured cross-party support, and the Lend-Lease Act was passed, allowing the United States to supply crucial resources to the Allied Forces. 

Key Takeaway: Roosevelt’s unwavering and public trust in Stimson’s military expertise, despite their policy disagreements, was instrumental in gaining bipartisan support. By publicly backing Stimson, Roosevelt signaled to both Democrats and Republicans they were united in prioritizing our nation's best interests. Today’s leaders can follow this example by fostering mutual respect and trust, even across ideological differences. When we, as leaders, show respect for the knowledge and experience of those we disagree with, we demonstrate how to work together toward common goals, even amidst differing ideas. 

Roosevelt and Stimson’s remarkable World War II partnership truly underlines the power we, as leaders, have in setting a tone for cooperation and respect. Roosevelt's willingness to bring a political rival into his administration, and their ability to focus on shared goals without compromising their beliefs are examples of how leaders can navigate deep divides without sacrificing principles—on either side. In today's polarized political and social climate, it is so important to remember our behavior sets the bar for how differences of opinion are managed. By keeping the big picture in mind, and fostering mutual respect, we can point our teams and organizations in the direction of successful results even when our team members hold diametrically opposing beliefs.

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