The Observer, April 27, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 26
Political Connection: Support candidates who exhibit true leadership qualities
Leadership. One would think that everyone has the same basic definition: a person to give direction or guidance. There are many different techniques of leadership, different means to the same goal. However, it seems that recently the core concept of leading has been lost in Washington.
I know ripping on the administration has been the 'thing to do' recently – I have done so myself on a number of occasions – but not many gripes have held solid ground. That changed earlier this month when Lee Iacocca released his latest book, Where Have All the Leaders Gone?.
Maybe the title is a bit of a stretch, but Iacocca has some good points. As a country, we have really dropped the ball in holding our elected officials responsible for fulfilling their duties (or not overstepping their bounds). Sometime in the past six years we lost a vital section of our national identity. We have let the separation of powers slide, giving too much to the executive branch and thus limiting the efficacy of Congress. We have dwindled down to strictly partisan politics. Many sections of the Constitution have been sidestepped, especially first amendment rights.
And as tempting as it is to blame one group for our country's troubles, it would just be an incorrect argument. The people who should be held accountable include practically everyone. We the people elected these officials in Washington. In 2006 we sent the message that we wanted change, but most of Washington is still groggy from years of allowing a single small group to run unchecked. Right now, as everyone runs amok in the capital, I think we need to re-evaluate what we as a country are looking for from our government, from ourselves, and from our leaders. I am far from a political expert, but the nine C's of leadership that Iacocca puts forth in his book seem to be a pretty good description of necessary qualities of a leader.
Curiosity. Right now we have a rather bland group steering our country: a president who boasts that he doesn't read the newspaper, and countless members of Congress who rarely step out of their comfort zones. In order to really lead a group, one must be curious about the various approaches to a problem as well as what caused the issue to arise in the first place.
Creativity. This is not how artistic a person is, but how well they are able to change plans effectively when the parameters of the situation change. The world is not very predictable, and a leader must know how to handle things when nearly everything seems to be going wrong.
Communication. This is an area in which we are not very strong as a nation. I know the idea might seem ridiculous, but a lot of our issues could be resolved if we truly listened to the concerns of our neighboring countries. We don't have to agree with our neighbors, but communicating with them instead of dictating to them would help us truly make an impact in the world.
Character. According to Iacocca, this is "knowing the difference between right and wrong and having the guts to do the right thing." Politicians are criticized for "flip-flopping," but aren't you supposed to take new knowledge into account when you are approaching an issue? When did it become a horrible thing to change your view once you learn more and realize that your original plan or idea might not have been the best?
Courage. I agree with Iacocca whole-heartedly when he distinguishes between swagger and courage. Courage is when you are able to put your ego in check and sit down and negotiate.
Conviction. We have to have some power behind our ideals. Iacocca criticizes President Bush about his vast number of vacation days, and understandably so. How can a leader really accomplish anything when he isn't present half the time?
Competency. Common Sense. Both seem to be rather obvious characteristics needed in a leader, but as we all know the obvious doesn't always come into play in reality.
Finally, Iacocca points out that crisis is what truly creates a leader. After September 11, many leaders spent more time in shock and cowering in fear than actually doing something to help calm the millions of concerned and frantic Americans.
We are just beginning the race for our next group of leaders in Washington. Whether or not you agree with Iacocca, we can all agree that we are itching for a change. As we narrow down the 2008 presidential candidates, keep in mind those characteristics that you desire in a true leader.
Davis is a first-year student and has yet to decide on a major. She is a member of the Spartan Tappers and the Case Camerata Orchestra and enjoys writing, reading, watching movies, and good debates.
