BIG, BOLD LEADERS: Learning from our politics

There has been plenty of second-guessing, ridicule, and cynicism from political critics and media show hosts about Barack Obama's "results achieved" in Europe last week. It has been interesting to see so many (a large number of them men) wearing the "mask of envy" as they work to minimize and insult an achievement that is not one they personally carry in their portfolios. (Photo: Associated Press - JC Hong)

It's hard, regardless of your political preference, to overlook the facts that Barack Obama gave us images and diplomacy that reached around the world that we've not seen in many years. He took a risk and he delivered. The pictures brought hope and promise to the future when our minds and hearts have only been filled with hate, greed, war, violence, death, destruction, poor leadership, and the demolition of the United States reputation in every region of the world. Smiling hopeful faces. Waving of American flags (not burning flags). People showing up in the tens of thousands to take a look at one of our potential leaders of the free world, showing interest and respect for the new and different.

My question is... Shouldn't we all be so proud as Americans that one of our American family took a bold leadership step successfully --- a risky move perhaps --- but demonstrated his capacity for positive influence, on behalf of all of us, that America wants to regain our friends in the world?
His performance didn't even need to be perfect in every way to trump contemporary examples of leadership we've all seen in the last near decade. The talk of Obama being "presumptuous" is absurd. Why should we be afraid to watch one of our potential presidential candidates doing his best in this way-too-long job interview? Why should he shrink to the level of the norm in politics when he is putting his heart into being our best choice? When have you landed a job by acting like your competition?

It was even more shameful to see a senior statesman like John McCain, with a laughing smirk, thrash Obama every day with half-truths, put-downs, negative ads, and out-right lies from the "straight-talk express" in a concerted effort to diminish Obama's results...all for his political gain. I admit it, the United States of America deserves a leader with more generosity and self-assurance than we witnessed in John McCain's actions and behavior. Can you imagine McCain using these same techniques as a President, when we desperately need a leader of our nation who can get along with others, has a respectful manner not in words, but in his actions to skillfully negotiate and positively influence strategic outcomes that will impact all our lives?

What seems in short supply are BIG LEADERS --- ones that can find joy in other's achievements. The only one I witnessed was George H.W. Bush, Sr. (Reuters) who in a moment of BIG LEADERSHIP, spoke the truth in words about Obama European trip --- the truth that was written on many other faces of those too small to admit it.

When George H.W. Bush, Sr. was asked by the media whether, as a former head of state who has a sensitivity about protocol, had any thoughts about the appropriateness of Obama's events in Europe, the former 41st President replied with a genuine smiling face, "A little jealous, is all."

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring them the real facts."
--- Abraham Lincoln

This is what I want to belief is possible...there is magic in believing we can create a better world than we know today...together. What do you think?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author and founder, President and CEO
Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies

New Book! Putting Our Differences to Work (June 2008)
Learn more: www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com
Berrett-Koehler - BK Business

Comments

[Clyo Beck]

Hi Debbe,

I was just writing a post for my prayer blog in which I expressed the hope that Barack Obama is elected president.

I agree with your post. It's sad that bashing people who are trying to do something positive seems to be an ingrained Republican behavior. I can't help but wonder if it's something embedded in their biological as well as their political DNA.

It really seems that one has to have a certain lack of empathy (and a lack of mirror neurons) to gravitate toward the Republican platform of recent years.

Of course Republicans like McCain are pragmatic politicians and wouldn't say such things if there wasn't a market of millions who wanted to hear them, but I digress.

I do want to draw your attention on a couple of typos in your post:

"...on behalf to all of us..." should read:
"...on behalf of all of us..."

"This is what I want to belief is possible...their is magic in believing..."
should read:

"This is what I want to believe is possible...there is magic in believing..."

Also you need a closing quote after "straight-talk express
so it reads: "straight-talk express"

Maybe I'm too picky, but I agree with your post, which is well-written, and I hate to see its credibility marred by few little typos.

By the way, I do believe in "the magic of believing."

(Now won't it be funny if I have a typo in this comment?)

[Debbe Kennedy - Perspectives...Global Dialogue Center]

Dear Clyo,
Thank you so much for writing! It was meaningful on several levels. First, it was validating. We share the same prayers. There is something so wrong about the experience of the last week in our politics. We need to encourage new thinking and make way for new Light. I find it very disappointing to see senior statesman so visibly attempting to squelch and ridicule a new generation of thinking and leadership to keep their grip on power, don't you? It violates the responsibility that comes with the honor of being an elder.

Also, your message was such an unexpected act of kindness. Thank you for calling my attention to the typos. Interestingly, I intuitively knew when I posted it I might have missed errors in haste...and proofing is my weakness. :-) My eyes play tricks on me. You are so right that the mistakes do matter. So I am most appreciative!! (and hoping I didn't make any here :-)

Debbe

[Debbe Kennedy - Perspectives...Global Dialogue Center]

P.S.
The value in these observations of others is the prompting to look at oneself...to use the same "yardstick" for ones own behavior. I will. I must. I am.
Debbe