Gerald Ford

Full Name

Gerald Rudolph Ford

Lifespan

93 years (1913 – 2006) 

Term

38th President (R) 1974 – 1977

AMIABLE - having a pleasant, gracious, and good-natured personality; acting genuinely and without pretension; connecting with others; friendly, sociable, affable, agreeable. 

Likeability may not be a leadership requirement, but it certainly is a very valuable leadership asset. Amiable leaders are well liked due to their genuine and gracious demeanor. Their ability to connect with others and build relationships gives them a clear advantage over leaders who are unpleasant and rude or distant and aloof.

STRONG IN CHARACTER - possessing strength of character; demonstrating qualities of honesty, courage, integrity, and steadfastness; moral, ethical, upright, resolved, purposeful.

— Leaders with strength of character act out of conviction and with a solid sense of purpose. Demonstrating integrity and courage, they do what they think is right because it is right, not because it’s easy or convenient. Principled and steadfast, leaders who possess strength of character are trustworthy and loyal even in the most trying circumstances.

CANDID - acting and speaking openly and honestly; free from reservation, deception, or subterfuge; forthright, straightforward, truthful, sincere, trustworthy. 

One of the most valuable assets leaders can have is the trust and respect of those whom they lead. Candid leaders are forthright and sincere, acting and speaking honestly and gradually earning the respect and loyalty of their followers. Conversely, leaders who prove to be untrustworthy or deceptive are unable to command respect and as a result are largely ineffective, particularly over the long run.

Ford Quotes

The ultimate test of leadership is not the polls you take, but the risks you take… the greatest defeat of all would be to live without courage, for that would hardly be living at all.” 

A nation survives only so long as the spirit of sacrifice and self-discipline is strong within its people.”

History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion.”

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

LOCATION: Grand Rapids, MI

OPENED: September 18, 1981