Truly Great Leadership

Living through 25’ and 26’ has placed our country in a precarious position. Never before in our 250 + years as a country have we been tested in such a way.

I’ll admit, sometimes living in America, we take for granted what kind of country we have built here. In the hustle and bustle of living our individual lives, we can forget how truly remarkable America is, and how truly fragile our democracy is.

We have never had to face a leader who has strayed away from the path of norms in such an obvious and self-serving way. It’s easy to forget how other countries across the world have dealt with authoritarianism, dictators, and would be strong men who have undermined their own governments.

Until recently, no one had used the Presidency in such a way that was so obviously anti-American/anti-democratic.

Before Trump, there were no wide spread election interferences to question. People may have disagreed all the same, but there was a level of professionalism, common decency, and mutual respect.

For it is in those things where democracy flourishes.

This is now apparent. Which begs the question, how can we prevent this from happening again in the US?

Let’s all see if we can agree on what makes great leaders! Then, if another individual runs for office and they don’t make the list, we’ll know to vote for someone else.

I never thought one leader would have such a huge impact on the behavior of so many people. I guess it makes sense though. Our leaders set the bar for what’s ok, and what isn’t.

What it does is it gives those people an excuse to behave in a manner similar. Suddenly people act as though they decided, “well if the President says it or does it, I can too.”

It seems then going forward we should take voting all the more serious. So what should we look for in our leaders?

What is it we should look for in our future leaders, so we can avoid future setbacks, embarrassments, and dangerous men?

Writing this feels surreal, but here’s a list of traits, characteristics, and behaviors we should look for in our leaders.

1. Respect - R E S P E C T, find out what it means to me. When leaders don’t have enough respect for other people, they probably don’t have enough respect for you either. Belittling others, name calling, dehumanizing language, behavior, and actions. All things we should avoid in our future leaders.

   
   

Why?

What makes us a strong and loving nation is showing others enough respect to treat them how we want to be treated. The Golden rule!

Plus, bullying, name calling, dehumanizing behavior, and other forms of disrespect, say much more about guilty party, than anything else.

People who behave in this way do so because they often lack intelligence, character, and are usually trying to overcompensate for their own shortcomings.

Don’t follow, listen to, or cheer for any leader who can’t treat others with respect.

The only thing that holds a society together is mutual respect. Any leader who lacks respect for the other side, also lacks respect for you.

2. Intelligence - If the person proves to be or shows intelligence in an area or many areas, even beyond your own knowledge, this is a good thing! Intelligence is hard to nail down. There are many forms of intelligence, and the smarter and more learned someone is, it’s usually an indication of hard work, persistence, and perseverance. Don’t be afraid of leaders who might be smarter than you in areas.

   It’s a good thing!!

Why?

A leaders job is to lead. One of the best ways to do this is to have extensive knowledge, experience, or expertise in whatever they are leading.

Sometimes when others are smarter than us it can be intimidating, can challenge our vocabulary, and can push us to have to work a little harder too. That’s a good thing!

You wouldn’t want to bring your broken car to a mechanic who’s never learned a thing about cars, so why would you want your future leaders to lack knowledge, expertise, or know-how about the position?

You shouldn’t!

3. Empathy - The ability to put yourself in the shoes of someone else, and see things from their perspective. Great leaders have the ability to see the world in every shade and color. When you are talking about the most important leaders, like the President of the USA, to best help those from all walks of life, they must be able to understand, and experience life from those same walks of life.

Why?

A great example is that of the wealthy businessman who cannot possibly conceive of life as those of their most humble or poverty stricken constituents’. How can someone understand what’s truly important to someone if they cannot possibly understand their life experiences? The best leaders, in my opinion, are not wealthy in coin, but rich in life and love.

Feeling what others feel helps leaders solve problems from all walks of life.

Isn’t that what leadership is all about anyway, helping others?

4. Kindness - I’ve heard it said that the smartest people in the world are often the most kind. I don’t know if this is true, but to be a truly great leader, we should all lead with kindness first. Any man can assert themselves as a strong man, but true strength comes from kindness, understanding, and forgiveness.

Why?

A leader’s responsibility is first and foremost the safety and well being of the people they are leading. What good is a leader who cannot understand why a hungry parent steals to feed their children? Striking back at those who have wronged, or perceived to have wronged a people, only propagates more of the same. Understanding, kindness, compassion, empathy. Strength, true strength, is having the heart to forgive those who have done harm. This is where the best leaders lead from. Fear is the real enemy. Overcome fear, and be kind, to everyone.

5. Selflessness - The best leaders aren’t in it for themselves, for the riches, or for the stature. They lead because they love, they care, and they want to improve the lives of those they lead. What a chance to make life better for all. Putting aside selfish reasons, schemes, and the benefits of the position, the best leaders place the people’s needs above their wants.

   
   

Why?

In a democratic society, such as our great republic, the leader is NOT a ruler! They are not a king! In fact, they are not in charge!

Instead, they are a servant of the people. Elected to represent the best of what America has to offer the world. To represent each and every American citizen. The best leaders understand the White House is not theirs, nor is Air Force One, or any other perk. Those belong to US, each and every citizen of America. Being selfless assures every decision is made with the people in mind.

6. Inspiration - The best leaders have the ability to inspire others to be their very best. Great leadership lifts up others, pushing everyone to bring their best selves. Whether through their words or actions, the best leaders make everyone strive to be better.

Why?

Our social nature has a great deal to do with all the advancements we’ve achieved as a species. Living together, as we do, is hugely beneficial for humanity as a whole. Leaders who inspire those around them to behave better, strive for better, and help others who in turn help others, so on and so on. All of society inspires more of the same across the country and world.

The same goes for the opposite. Leaders who are divisive, hateful, and hurtful, cause others to behave in the same manner. This can increase violence, acts of hate, and more separation.

7. Humility - Our egos want to make us feel like more than we are. Those with fragile egos often brag about themselves, taking credit for the acts of others in an attempt to convince everyone they are more important than they are. Being humble cuts through the ego laying us bare before all. The best leaders do not need to boast about how great they are, they are too busy being great. They don’t need to brag about how much they have, how smart they are, or what others may or may not have compared to themselves. Great leaders remain humble, often giving credit to others and helping to lift them up.

Why?

Because leaders are leading people it’s important how they are viewed . Being humble helps a leader to be seen in a more favorable way. If every leader had Trump’s fragile ego they would all believe themselves to be the most important person ever. Humble leaders are more relatable, appreciated, and have no problem taking the back seat. Humble leaders give credit to others, acknowledge team efforts, and lift up others.

8. Honesty - In politics this is as important as anything. It’s also something difficult to nail down in politics. In politics there’s what we want, and then there’s what we can agree on. In this case I’m not necessarily talking about what a candidate would like to achieve but rather being open about their plans and strategy.

Why?

Hopefully I don’t need to explain why it’s important for our leaders to be as honest as possible. Especially during the time of this writing corruption, dark money, and the attempts to destroy our republic is actively under way. If a candidate lies about something, why wouldn’t they lie about anything else? Trump has shown us how fragile democracy really is.

That’s it, that’s my list for the most important behaviors/characteristics of our future leaders we should be looking for. If any elected official or leader lacks even one of these, that’s an indication they should not be trusted with such an important role.

What are your thoughts? Do you have something different than I do? Is there something I overlooked or haven’t thought of?

If you have something you’d like me to add to this list, comment or shoot me an email. I’m happy to discuss other possibilities, add something else, or look at things from your point of view.

Remember, this is our government! They represent US. Which means we, you and I, are the ones who hold the power.

Take it back!