They are not bogged-down by the day-to-day issues because they cling to the hope of a brighter future. Strategic leaders take risks, even in the face of adversity, in order to see a vision come to life. He had the drive and determination to stick with difficult tasks until completion. Every decision he made aligned with his strategic vision. Much like, General Eisenhower who was also a strategic leader, Chris had a vision and a sense of purpose that carried him through the most trying of circumstances. When his girlfriend’s departure, Chris quickly became an unemployed - single dad, and found himself homeless as well.
He thought further, “Maybe happiness is something that we have to pursue, even though we may never have it (Muccino, 2008)”. It was then that he started thinking about “Thomas Jefferson and our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. One of the first pivotal moments for Chris Gardener occurred over a phone call, Chris’s girlfriend Linda stated that she was “taking their son and leaving him”. Although Chris was conflicted about his ability to take the internship without pay, he took a leap of faith and remained committed to the internship program despite great obstacles. However, the shot at a chance in the industry meant he had to take a 6 month, unpaid internship. Chris soon had a chance encounter with a stock broker that inspired within him the vision to also become a stock broker. Although he and his girlfriend, Linda were putting in considerable hours working, they still found themselves falling behind in bills. During the 1980’s Chris bought into a business selling medical equipment but the business soon went bust when the medical industry at large found the equipment to be an unnecessary expense. In the film, The Pursuit of Happyness, lead character Chris Gardener, as depicted by actor Will Smith demonstrates the vision, courage, and commitment required of a strategic leader.