Super Tuesday

As we count down to “Super Tuesday” wondering who to entrust our future to, I feel encouraged by the wide-open primaries, the many debates, and access to candidates ideas via the web. It has made this “selection for election” season far more interesting. As a leadership advisor, coach and consultant for nearly 30 years, I have strong opinions about what makes a successful leader of very large-scale organizations, which our nation certainly is.

Here is my framework for considering whom I might support. First is the intelligence to understand complex issues from multiple viewpoints without either becoming confused or over simplifying what is not that simple. Second, is to create and communicate a clear vision of the future that furthers the legitimate interests of all. Third, is to be able to galvanize the will of multiple groups into a higher common ground. Fourth is to attract and empower a talented team to manage and execute the leadership agenda. Fifth, to be the standard of moral authority; a leader whose character we admire and whose transparent motives are to improve the lives of all. Leaders of this intelligence, wisdom and judgment are indeed rare, but that is the kind of leader we need now.

I am looking for a leader that can unite us as a nation with common interests to drown out the voices of special interests. A leader who doesn’t use fear to consolidate power. A wise leader who will listen to the experience of others and stimulate a competition of ideas and be both humble and courageous in making decisions. A leader with elevated priorities and common sense. Above all, a leader that reflects what is best about all of us.Recently, I re-read a book, The Speed of Trust, written by a friend, Stephen M.R. Covey, that is exactly on point as to what kind of leader we should be electing President. Covey lays out a clear proven case that trust is the essential currency of leadership. We will not follow or support leaders we don’t trust. Furthermore, he points out that the roots of trust are both character and competence. An honest idiot cannot be trusted anymore than an evil genius.

Leaders we trust share their thought process with us. Their reasoning, judgments and decisions are transparent. They, in fact, don’t ask us to trust them because they know better. Instead, they invite a diversity of ideas and respectful debate. Most of all, leaders we trust are always looking for the “higher center.” They look beyond compromise to optimize. Their solutions are not the best we can do, but rather are simply the best. They focus on root causes and investment instead of symptoms and spending.

As Covey points out, when we trust our leaders friction is reduced, decisions are made, policies implemented and progress accelerates.

I like Stephen’s book because it offers a model to measure current candidates and all leaders against. I recommend you take a look at it. It may help you decide who you really trust to lead us.

As for me, historically I’ve been a Republican, but today I feel a higher allegiance, I am an American and global citizen looking for the best person possible to create a world I want my grandchildren to inherit. I don’t care what party, gender, race or age they are. I am just looking for a leader I can believe in. Aren’t we all?

To visit American Dream Project’s home page, click here.

Vote Thoughtfully

I’ve already had emails and comments from well intended readers who are assuming my description of these rare leadership qualities are a disguised endorsement for a particular candidate. But no; that simply is not true. While there are some candidates that at least for me do not make the cut, there are others who regularly but not always talk and act in ways that give me hope. I haven’t decided on any candidate for my full and final support. Yes, I will vote on Tuesday, but at this stage and throughout the election until November, I will watch and listen with great interest before I decide who best exemplifies the kind of leadership we desperately need. It’s my hope that we’ll all do the same.

Will

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