I don’t understand why today, in an era where countries are world powers and people all over the globe can become national leaders, there seems to be a huge crisis of leadership. What does one expect from a leader? Some might say that they are just like the common citizen with the same common problems and the same common mistakes. That view might be true, but, I think that when you take a position of leadership within an organization, but, even more so, within a country, and then on the world stage, there is a certain requirement on you to act in a certain matter.
Today, as the media and Internet is a buzz with the possible resignation of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer (D), the nation has seen yet another leader make decisions that have single-handedly ruined a very promising political career, his reputation and quite possibly his family. I am reminded of Sen. Larry Craig (R), Governor McGreevey (D), Congressman Foley (R) and the most famous, President Clinton. Why does this happen? Why do people, in leadership make very ill-conceived decisions, in a world where billions of people could be great leaders, where billions of people are relying on people of stature and of moral compass? Now, its not that, as Republicans, Democrats, Buddhists, Christians, Athiests, Muslims or people of other political and national backgrounds, we need to always regulate other people’s moral compasses to confine to religious or political standards, but, it does mean that we expect our leadership to act as if they are leaders. Leaders are people who lead…they are men or women whom are there to inspire, to uplift, to take charge … of followers. To the people who might say that it really isn’t of huge consequence or of huge interest to the common citizen, I disagree, Eliot Spitzer was the most “googled” subject yesterday, Governor Spitzer was the 2nd, New York Governor was the 3rd and prostitution was the 4th. Google is the largest search engine in the world. Failed leadership is something that should concern us, apparently it also makes money.
Now, as a common citizen, I, in no way am claiming that while throwing the speck at these leaders, that I am perfect, and have no log lodged in the corner of my eye. I make decisions on a frequent basis that are irresponsible and are not of the best nature, and I am nowhere near perfect, but, I am not leading one of the largest states in the world and I was not elected to represent millions of people.
I, in no way, expect our leaders to be more than human and faultless. I don’t expect them to always agree with my moral views as mine differ from many of even my own faith, but, I do expect them to act as responsible, controlled and even inspiring contributors to the social structure they were elected to lead.
Maybe as time goes on, as the decades roll, we should stop requiring that type of moral and social obligation from our leaders, when that day comes, that would be a tragedy….
Today, as the media and Internet is a buzz with the possible resignation of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer (D), the nation has seen yet another leader make decisions that have single-handedly ruined a very promising political career, his reputation and quite possibly his family. I am reminded of Sen. Larry Craig (R), Governor McGreevey (D), Congressman Foley (R) and the most famous, President Clinton. Why does this happen? Why do people, in leadership make very ill-conceived decisions, in a world where billions of people could be great leaders, where billions of people are relying on people of stature and of moral compass? Now, its not that, as Republicans, Democrats, Buddhists, Christians, Athiests, Muslims or people of other political and national backgrounds, we need to always regulate other people’s moral compasses to confine to religious or political standards, but, it does mean that we expect our leadership to act as if they are leaders. Leaders are people who lead…they are men or women whom are there to inspire, to uplift, to take charge … of followers. To the people who might say that it really isn’t of huge consequence or of huge interest to the common citizen, I disagree, Eliot Spitzer was the most “googled” subject yesterday, Governor Spitzer was the 2nd, New York Governor was the 3rd and prostitution was the 4th. Google is the largest search engine in the world. Failed leadership is something that should concern us, apparently it also makes money.
Now, as a common citizen, I, in no way am claiming that while throwing the speck at these leaders, that I am perfect, and have no log lodged in the corner of my eye. I make decisions on a frequent basis that are irresponsible and are not of the best nature, and I am nowhere near perfect, but, I am not leading one of the largest states in the world and I was not elected to represent millions of people.
I, in no way, expect our leaders to be more than human and faultless. I don’t expect them to always agree with my moral views as mine differ from many of even my own faith, but, I do expect them to act as responsible, controlled and even inspiring contributors to the social structure they were elected to lead.
Maybe as time goes on, as the decades roll, we should stop requiring that type of moral and social obligation from our leaders, when that day comes, that would be a tragedy….
4 comments:
Its the burden of leadership. Some were born leaders and some couldn't lead anyone. As leaders the moment our response goes from "We" to "I" we are bound for fall on our face.
In the book "good to great", he talks about the 2 qualities that make up the great leaders of our time. 1.) An uncompromising desire to push ahead and be focused on the vision. 2.) Humility.
For me the only thing that touches on that desire to be a great leader, is knowing that I'm following the GREATEST leader.
Well said to both of you!
Maybe that's why we're told to pray specifically for our leaders? While I don't make excuses for them, I know the temptations and open doors to generally bad stuff (can't think of a better word) are probably far more than I'll ever experience in my lifetime.
Hi Craig, I haven't met you but I met Angela at Inprov when she did training for about 3 weeks in Texas. She's a sweetheart! Anyways, I am a blogger myself, so I thought I'd say hello and introduce myself. God bless!
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