One of the common themes surrounding extraterrestrial aliens visiting Earth is “Take me to your leader.” Many people in the United States are asking, “Where is our leader?” Leadership is a rare and precious commodity. Good leaders inspire us and motivate us. Excellent leaders lead by example with character and humility. Leaders are neither anointed nor appointed. They emerge. They lead. They are not elected, but when we see one, she or he is detected. We know a leader when we encounter one. Some leaders are charismatic, but not all of them are. Some leaders look as if they were from central casting, but not all leaders look that way. As I examine our political “leadership,” I note a paucity of authentic leaders. When I look for leadership in the civil affairs of our nation, state and communities, here’s what I’m seeking.
When I look for a leader, I want a W.H.I.P….a person with wisdom, honesty, integrity and principles. If a cause is just, a leader will advocate for it even if the prospects are dim. A true leader does not wait for the sentiment of the audience or the public as a cue for becoming involved. The leader knows what is right and what is not. A leader chooses the right. A true leader does not look for the expedient way of doing something. Expediency is often confused with true leadership because the mass media and many citizens confuse leadership with “getting something done.” Historically, that approach has not served our nation as the expedient route has often led to unprincipled compromise.
This column is not intended to be the definitive word on leadership. Literally thousands of books, treatises and columns have addressed the subject. Most have focused on a utilitarian approach wherein the leader‘s accomplishments are more important than the underlying principles that guide her or him. When selecting writers who believe that principled leadership is critical for organizations or governments, I prefer to read John C. Maxwell. Dr. Maxwell has penned more than 50 books while primarily focusing on principled and effective leadership. As a result of his work, I have no need to duplicate nor expand upon his ideas and formulas. My attempt to zero in on principle as a core function of leadership is simply to cast some light on how our nation and corporations have drifted into the present morass.
Wisdom, it seems to me, is sorely lacking among the so-called leaders in the United States today. It may be because of our nearly fanatical praise of youthful energy and zeal. It may be a result of our amazingly fast-paced technological innovation. The underlying assumption being that if you don’t “tweet,” you’re a dolt. Wisdom is a product of faith, discernment, knowledge and experience. Real wisdom is rarer than saber tooth tigers or dodo birds. Among our self-appointed leaders we find those who say the first thing that comes to mind as they pander to their listeners, but there is another group who hesitates to say anything definitively for fear of offending voters or constituencies. Wisdom includes the ability to speak truthfully in a manner that makes the truth unassailable. Wisdom doesn’t seek consensus. Wisdom generates consensus.
Honesty is honesty. There are no gray areas, no fudging. Honest leaders work with honest people, and honest people do not compromise principles for short term gain. Honesty is a major structural component of integrity which includes sincerity as well. It seems to me that we must have sincerely honest leadership for our nation to survive and thrive. Most of us are familiar with the old joke that a good politician can “sincerely fake sincerity.” As our people become more cynical and more skeptical, true leaders will find it difficult to shatter the clutter. That is the cost we pay for allowing our leaders to “fake it” without challenging them.
Principles are vital for a true leader. They must be deeply ingrained in her or his essence…core…being. Principles are more than ideas and certainly more enduring than feelings. Principles are rock solid, unmovable fundamental truths upon which one anchors his or her life. Principles create the platform from which all decision making begins. Principles are not the answers for most issues, but they are the starting point for discovering the solutions. Principles help the leader during stressful times by providing the basis for sound, honest and wise decisions. Let’s find true leaders, and let’s WHIP them into shape.
Face Book: www.facebook.com/pages/Earl-for-Ohio/
No comments:
Post a Comment