Hi Everyone,

Happy Friday! Thanks for spending part of it reading The Lake Street Journal.

This week we’re talking about Teddy Roosevelt’s men, leading by example, and a few great books. Let's get into it.

A Handshake Was a Poor Expression

Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders were active for less than six months, but that was enough time for him to earn the lifelong admiration of his men.

Before they parted in September of 1898, all surviving members gathered to give their Colonel a gift.

As Roosevelt emerged from his tent, Private Murphy, holding back tears, announced they were presenting him with, "a very slight token of admiration, love, and esteem."

With Roosevelt surrounded by 900 sobbing men, Murphy finished speaking.

"In conclusion, allow me to say that one and all, from the highest to the lowest...will carry back to their hearths a pleasant remembrance of all your acts, for they have always been of the kindest."

Then the men presented Teddy with a sculpture of a bronze bronco buster.

Roosevelt, also holding back tears, asked every man to come forward so he could shake their hands. Of the goodbye, one private remarked, "He was the only man I ever came in contact with that when bidding farewell, I felt a handshake was but a poor expression. I wanted to hug him."

So why did these men feel this way about Roosevelt?

Countless reasons. But they can all be summarized in four words: he earned their respect.

Roosevelt believed in suffering with his men. On the brutal seven mile march from Daiquiri to Siboney, Cuba, he refused to ride his horse while his soldiers walked. So he walked with them.

As Edmund Morris wrote in The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, "All the way to Siboney he tramped along in his yellow mackintosh, streaming with perspiration and earning the affectionate respect of his troopers."

As an officer, Roosevelt was entitled to ride his horse. He was even expected to ride. But like all great leaders, he knew that respect is something you give to those above you and earn from those below you. So march he did.

He was also extraordinarily calm under fire.

When ordered to attack, war reporter Edwin Marshall observed his actions:

"Perhaps a dozen of Roosevelt's men had passed into the thicket before he did. Then he stepped across the wire himself, and, from that instant, became the most magnificent soldier I have ever seen. It was as if that barbed-wire strand had formed a dividing line in his life, and that when he stepped across it he left behind him in the bridle path all those unadmirable and conspicuous traits which have so often caused him to justly be criticized in civic life, and found on the other side of it, in that Cuban thicket, the coolness, the calm judgment, the towering heroism, which made him, perhaps, the most admired and best beloved of all Americans in Cuba."

Sharing in the suck. Acting bravely in trying situations. Projecting calm presence and clear judgment in the fog of war. This is how a leader earns the admiration of his men.

It doesn't have to be in battle.

It could be the owner scrubbing the fryers at the restaurant. It could be the coach benching the star player for breaking team rules. It could be the warehouse manager seamlessly fulfilling orders during the holiday rush.

Each situation a challenge, met head on. Managed well.

It's as simple as asking, "If I were the employee, the soldier, the player, what would I want my manager, officer, or coach to do?"

Then do that thing. Day after day. Week after week. Year after year. Earning respect and admiration, and making your people feel like a handshake is but a poor expression when you part.

Walk Among Your People

This short video from Jocko Willink was filled with nuggets of leadership wisdom. He mostly talks about Dick Winters, the commanding officer of Easy Company, subject of the superb mini series, Band of Brothers.

Winters talks about the value of leading by example which, first and foremost, requires you to be present with your people. Walking the front line, making conversation, asking questions, giving reassurance and guidance, observing morale, and making adjustments.

Again, the wisdom comes from the battlefield, but it applies in any leadership context.

My first job out of college was a huge consulting project with 200 employees and long hours. I'm talking 70+ hour weeks. Early mornings. Late nights. Weekends. It was brutal.

But, Jeff, the guy running the project was always walking the floor.

He'd stop at a desk and make a joke. Ask about what you were working on. Make fun of what you were wearing or eating. He lightened the mood. Made you feel like he was in the trenches with you.

I found myself looking around often hoping he would wander by. His presence made a big difference.

Much lower stakes than the European campaign in WWII, but the idea was the same, and it was equally as effective.

3 Great Biographies

If you're looking for a new book to read, I have a few suggestions. I don't hear many people talking about these books, but they're excellent.

Where Men Win Glory

The story of Pat Tillman, told by the incredible author Jon Krakauer. It's a story of courage, sacrifice, redemption, and coverup. You'll learn about the NFL, the history of Afghanistan, the US Army, and, of course, Pat Tillman. Every American should read this book.

Open

Andre Agassi's autobiography. It's a story of father versus son, inner struggle, outer excellence, and, of course, one of the greatest tennis players to ever set foot on a court.

Little known fact—JR Moehringer was the ghost writer for this book, which is why the writing is so excellent.

The River of Doubt

This is a Teddy Roosevelt biography unlike any you've ever read. It's a story of courage, leadership, cowardice, and, of course, TR's journey down an uncharted river in the Amazon.

Candace Millard wrote this book, and she has an incredible ability to write history like John Grisham writes novels.

What book do you recommend that you think I haven't read?

Workout of the Week

Thanks to my sister for sharing this one with me last week. It's a great workout for when you're short on time and/or equipment. All you need is a dumbbell, 12 minutes, and a little bit of space.

"Ape Hanger"

AMRAP 12 (As Many Rounds as Possible in 12 minutes)

• 10 dumbbell hang snatch right hand (35)

• 5 burpees over dumbbell

• 25ft walking lunge with dumbbell

• 10 dumbbell hang snatch left hand (35)

• 5 burpees over dumbbell

• 25ft walking lunge with dumbbell

All six bullets = one round. Then repeat as many times as you can in 12 minutes. The goal is 5 rounds. Adjust the dumbbell weight as needed. I did 5 rounds plus 15 reps. Let me know how you do!

Quote of the Week

"Wealth is how much you see your kids. Power is how much control you have over your schedule." - Ryan Holiday

Have a question or a comment? Respond to this email.

Talk soon,

Joe