With so much disappointing news in recent weeks, it grieves the soul. The most powerful leaders in the world have brought us to times of grave turmoil with life or death circumstances with stress on all the systems of humanity and suffering of the innocents. In a few conversations recently with others, it is clear that for some people, there is a passive INDIFFERENCE, DENIAL, RESIGNATION that these conditions are "just the way it is." We can't do anthing. If this were true, we would not have a purpose on this earth, yes? Shouldn't we set our expectations higher for those we look to for leadership of our countries and organizations? ---- for what we ask of ourselves?
This morning, I ran across a quote that hit home ----- "I realize that all my choices have consequences, therefore, I can hold no one other than myself responsible for the outcome." Doesn't this mean that if the future is our to create, the responsibility asks us to "reach high" ourselves and set expectations of those we vote into office ---- those who by just a casual observation at the state of things have made quite a mess of things in unprecedented ways. Here are just a few things that readily come to mind:
- A war out of control in IRAQ, 75 US Military dead this month in 26 days; up to 325 civilians (13 days in August) ---------- no strategic exit plan.
- people dying without our care and help in places like Dafur
- Halliburton's pockets stuffed with taxpayer dollars with 284 percent increase in 4th quarter IRAQ WAR profits, while military men and women lack armor, children lack school supplies and many are homeless and hungry in every country.
- a US president, at a grave time, takes the longest vacation in US history, including side trips to resorts on our tab
- we have money for "presidential rest" in resorts --- but without a care, we readily sell off our jobs, close our military bases, displacing our workers
- Gas is up to $66+ a barrel and the GCC nations are it is also "enjoying an unprecedented economic boom." Meanwhile, many are struggle to get to work.
- Not one official in BUSH administration has been held accountable, instead they have tarnished the meaning of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarding poor results achieved with it (Tenet) or allegations just shoved under the carpet (ROVE) or lies resolved with spin and photo ops (BUSH).
One could go on and on. Our leaders appear to be ineffective at a minimum and certainly should be subject to an "AFTER ACTION REVIEW" or a "performance review" by the citizens that are paying them. Shouldn't we expect more???? Shouldn't we exercise our the right to question????
A CONSTRAST OF EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
When I get most discouraged, I recall history's leadership greats, who didn't just use "freedom" as rehtoric for a photo op ---- leaders who co-created freedom with others ---- this restores HOPE. These are excerpts of my observations of Nelson Mandela. Great leaders do exist. Imagine the world if it were run by leaders of character, courage, positive vision ---- imagine the power of one.
A Tribute to Nelson Mandela by Debbe Kennedy
He stands. Silence comes. He speaks. He is heard. His message is clear and truthful. Change will not reshape current realities overnight ... we bear the responsibility for creating a new and different future. A man who describes himself as "a ordinary man" has touched the world with presence, courage, commitment to mission, and his leadership example that we so longingly need. It is not intended that we will capture his essence or tell his story. It would be impossible to do his life justice in a few words, but in a small way our intent is to honor him and the many talented people that have opened his legacy to the world through their writing and other collections. In the spotlight, we pay tribute to Nelson Mandela by sharing three leadership lessons that have stayed with us as admirers in the distance.
1. Speak the truth. "I try not to be a rabble rouser. People want things explained to them clearly and rationally. They recognize when someone is speaking to them seriously. They want to see how you handle difficult situations and whether or not you stay calm." ---Nelson Mandela, "The Making of a Leader" by Richard Stengel, Time
2. Accept your responsibility as a leader---let your light shine.
He gave new meaning to MaryAnne Williamson's words when he share them with a nation ---- "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ...Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking, so that other people won't feel insecure around you... As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
3. Leadership is a lifetime journey.
"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are so many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended." ---Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
We can have more responsible leaders. It is up to you and me. We have to share in the responsibility to revitalize a world that is ethical, principled, works for common good and is more generous, loving, peaceful for all its inhabitants.
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, BEGIN IT! --- Goethe
Debbe Kennedy
Visit the Global Dialogue Center
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