Light a Candle...

What is Leadership?

I mentioned in the earlier post that Republicans need to be more articulate in presenting their view of where we are and where they believe we need to go. From my perspective, this lack of articulation, is an important leadership failure, and will be the primary cause if George Bush/the GOP, fail in their primary agenda.

In my view, leadership has two parts:

1. Lead by example - do what you ask others to do, set the example in actions and deeds.
2. Lead by inspiration - clearly communicate the needs and goals in a manner that inspires and encourages others to join in and contribute. This does not mean that the message must be sugar coated, contrary wise it cannot be a bland statement of fact. What do you believe - and why is the goal important.

It doesn't have to be fancy, but it has to be clear and sincere. If you are going to 'shake' people out of their comfort zones, if you are going to propose a significant change, you have to be able to bring people on board. And it is not a one time thing - it is as important an effort, as say the real war in Iraq.

This, in my opinion, is where both Bush administrations failed. Bush 41, just didn't get that 'Vision thing'. While the current President Bush does have a vision, his staff has been of little benefit in helping him articulate and present that vision in a consitent and on going manner. He has consitently failed to use the power of his office to communicate to the American People. President Bush is not Ronald Reagan, but that should not prevent him from stealing shamelessly from President Reagan's playbook. Both face a hostile media, but Reagan made it work for him by appealing directly to the people on numerous occasions. This tactic is one that President Bush should well emulate. Townhall meetings, and press conferences don't cut it, and are prey to being reduced to insignifcant 'sound bites'. He needs to borrow a page from his own speech to America after 9/11.

Leadership of large groups by action alone is ineffective, and gives the appearance of aloofness. It works well for small, tightly knit groups, but is insufficient in larger contexts.

Leadership by speech/inspiration without action, appears insincere and patronizing; in crises only the already converted/true believers are around to follow.

America wants a leader, someone to insprire them by both word and deed. It does not have to be another Ronald Reagan. A review of presidents considered true leaders, that changed the view of America, show styles as individual as they were. But one thing is the same throughout - they led by example and they articulated their vision to America in a manner that Americans could believe in and follow.

posted by Clayton @ 9:32 AM