Lead Like Reagan: Strategies to Motivate, Communicate, and Inspire

6Handling CrisisFinding Opportunity in Challenges

No crisis is beyond the capacity of our people to solve; no challenge too great.

—Ronald Reagan¹

“It CAN Be Done”

Ronald Reagan kept a sign on his desk with four simple words, “It CAN Be Done,” that were symbolic of his belief that in America anything was possible and that we were limited only by our own dreams. Ronald Reagan's personal contentment, humility, and undying confidence in the goodness and spirit of the American people helped the nation believe in itself again, motivated its spirit, and restored patriotism and incentive toward growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“It CAN Be Done” inspired him and others to persevere, regardless of how daunting the task, ambitious the vision, or challenging the implementation. As president, Ronald Reagan knew that many decisions would be tough and often agonizing. Implementing those decisions would be equally as difficult, but “It CAN Be Done” inspired him to press on with hopeful resolve.

As president, Ronald Reagan delivered countless famous speeches and created numerous memorable moments. So why are many of the events we remember and point to as defining moments of his presidency born of sadness, tragedy, or disaster? We recall the Challenger disaster, the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, and his emotional speech given to the Boys of Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France. We remember not only his words but also the emotions within us that his words evoked.

He demonstrated ...