Think back to your high school student council or class president, as those were probably the first leaders we ourselves voted for. Think of the qualities they possessed. Think of the campaign, signs in the hallways, speeches, lunchroom conversations with friends, the election and how it all played out afterwards. Did they keep promises, did you hear anything about the changes they may have in-acted and did you even care? Or think back to the principals during your elementary, middle school and high school years. Men, women, older, hip, professional, polished, authoritarian, cool, relatable, respectable; maybe a combination of a few of these traits. Our leaders, along with parents, pastors, preachers or priests are our first experiences with leaders. As you think back, how did they do? Would those qualities succeed today? How do the qualities leaders from the past possessed, differ from those of today? What does it take for a leader to succeed and what causes them to fail?
Top left to right-Steve Hilton, current candidate for Governor of California, hoping to follow the current Governor, Gavin Newsom. Bottom Right- left. Current Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt, the candidate hoping to unseat Bass in a run off in November. We will see as the ballots are still being counted. These races in California were the inspiration for this essay, asking, what makes an admirable leader, one who stands the test of time and leads people well.
What qualities lend to earning the respect of those they lead? In the past few weeks, primaries, particularly the one in California this week, brought up many of these questions.
Admirable leaders in the past, top left - right. General of the Union Army, Ulysses S. Grant, Clara Barton who cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War & General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Middle row-Queen Elizabeth, President John F. Kennedy & Pope John Paul II. Bottom row-President Theodore Roosevelt, Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill & President Ronald Reagan.
Generals, Presidents, CEOs, Statesmen/Stateswomen, Prime Ministers, Athletes, Dads, Moms…What makes a good leader? As we celebrate 250 years since our Declaration of Independence was signed we can look back to our country’s beginnings from the founding fathers drawing up that document to George Washington leading the Continental Army. Washington stayed with his men at Valley Forge at Christmas when morale was low. The colonies and the army were running out of supplies/funds, he knew he needed to be with his men, rather than at his comfortable Mount Vernon residence. Washington was so respected that some wanted to make him a king. He said, “Absolutely NOT.” They had fought a war to get away from a tyrant king. He felt that a system with checks and balances, so no one branch could take hold, was a system that was most fair and would benefit all. He was honest, likable and respected. He had the ability to get along with others. Abraham Lincoln too had a sense of fairness and equality. He steered a nation through very treacherous times and when you see photos of Lincoln, you can see the stress in his expression. He almost seemed to take on the physical stress of the division of the country. These two men are two of 45 leaders, who have held those coveted spots. Only 45 people in history have had that opportunity. All different; some Ivy League educated, most attorneys, some with a military background, some businessmen and a former actor, who will probably go down as one of the best. Some athletic, some young and some older…
General George Washington who became our nation’s first President and President Abraham Lincoln were tasked with leading your country during difficult times. Although George W. Bush may not go down in history as one of our best Presidents (for sure NOT on the list of worsts either) he too had to guide our country during difficult times following the 9-11 attacks.
What skills will the Presidents of the future need to possess? Will an Ivy League education be as big of a factor, or even a college education? Look at how many of the tech titans left college to pursue their visions. Will they have a background in politics and law? In the last few years, we have seen that a career politician may not necessarily have what it takes to lead a country in current times. My observation is that a leader today, needs to be faithful, have a sense of accountability to those they lead, experienced in life-so they understand the consequences of sending young men and women into battle and understand the plight of the average American throughout the stages of life- wise, one steepled in common sense, someone who is likable and charismatic and who can communicate well with citizens and the press.
A few leaders from different aspects of life who have and continue to make a difference. Top left-right-Congressman from Utah and former NFL player, Burgess Owen’s, British Entrepreneur, Richard Branson & NFL player/Super Bowl winner, Tom Brady. Middle row left-right Elon Musk, Condaleeza Rice, British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Bottom row, 59 times Grand Slam winner, Martina Navratilova who speaks up for women’s rights in sports and the very influential Orthodox Priest of St. Andrew Orthodox Church of Riverside California and Patristic Nectar platform, Father Josiah Trenham.
A good leader has to have a good sense of fairness and justice and must be relatable and not a phoney baloney. A strong leader need to make tough decisions that benefit the needs of the many and respect all, regardless of if they are on the same page. A leader needs to be tough and able to stand toe to toe with someone they do not see eye to eye with, yet gain their respect. They need the mind of a skilled chess player and the guts of a street fighter…Loyalty and trustworthiness round out my list of traits that make a strong leader in today’s world. Some traits can be over looked but the non-negotiable ones at the top of my list would be wise, faithful, honest, accountable and willing to make decisions in the best interest of the people they represent and of these, wise/wisdom is at the top. I like what Proverbs from the Old Testament says about wisdom:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and Knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” That is not the only passage about wisdom in the Bible there are others.
We need leaders in every aspect of our lives, our families, communities, congregations, business, sports teams and government. Men and women in these roles need to be accountable and humble to those they serve. Evil dictators should fear our Generals and Presidents. The saying that comes to mind is, “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick.” A leader who can avoid war by diplomacy and some fear is one loved and respected by not just a nation but internationally. A good leader does not let a bully terrorize the playground, or any place whether it be a child, a teenager or any adult. A bully anywhere not dealt with early on, will continue to be a problem and eventually will experience their own demise. We have seen this play out through the Bible, history and literature.
A good leader realizes that they are accountable not only to their citizens and those in their care, but to Almighty God. Their decisions should be made with this in mind and careful counsel. A good leader seeks and values the advice of knowledgeable and credibly advisors. They realize that they themself may not have all the answers. A good leader acknowledges when they make a mistake and they apologize.
As we make decisions in our communities and vote for leaders, consider the qualities you think a good leader should posses. Be those people in your circles. Inspire and encourage those around you, young people and children to do the same…Our country needs wise, faithful, loyal and accountable men and women at the helm to steer us in good and in tough times so we can say…
It’s a Great Day ❤️
