21st Century Leadership
by Mike Whitehead
As Published in Charlotte Observer Editorial Viewpoint
September 23, 2008
"The fate of the country does not depend on what kind of paper you drop into the ballot box…but on what kind of man you drop from your chamber into the street every morning." - Henry David Thoreau
I am assuming you are as concerned as I am about our country's current state of affairs. It seems the word “concerned” may be insufficient. How about alarmed? How about outraged?
With the incredibly important challenges we currently face - folding financial institutions, government bailouts, energy challenges, environmental urgencies and global wars, doesn’t it seem absurd that we are spending this important decision-making time discussing abortion, gay marriage, gender/race issues or any other important - but not urgent matter?
It’s like arguing about the arrangement of chairs on the Titanic (while it is sinking).
Just last night on the news crawl, the latest campaign scandal about a political candidate was followed by a report about how that candidate’s brand of eyeglasses is so popular it is on back order at the manufacturer for two months. If we are primarily concerned with the fashion of eyeglasses, where does that lead us as a country? If the media we are consuming considers this information newsworthy – what does that say about our culture?
Consider what would happen if we focused our attention on the health, security and sustainability of the economy, the environment, energy resources, and global community? What if we refuse to be swayed by the distractions of personality, appearance, and negative petty politics?
What would be possible if elections were focused on the people leading the political leaders, rather than the other way around? This means ‘We the people’ must give up our apathetic attitudes and focus on doing what each of us can to make a positive impact.
It is our job as citizens to identify a new kind of political leader and lead them – by example – to the future we desire.
Here is what is emerging in the new political paradigm.
Non-Polarizing Conversation/Discourse:
The 21st Century Leader:
- Defies old conventions of ‘us versus them.’ Aren’t defined or restricted by party affiliation, will not be interested in proving the ‘other side’ wrong, but will gain agreement.
- Has an extraordinary skill of listening and discernment. Is able to take in data from many sources, and bring people to a shared purpose and aligned action.
- Surrounds themselves with diversity of opinion, skills and philosophies. Can gather the highest quality, most accurate and most representative information available. Values disagreement over ‘yes men’ to properly vet vital decisions.
- Views his/her role, political influence and responsibility in a global context. Considers language addressing ‘good guys and bad guys’ based on geography, religion, political orientation, or any other convenient label as undermining the dialogue of progress.
Transparency/Authenticity
The 21st Century Leader:
- Honors his or her word. 21st Century leaders mean what they say and say what they mean -both in public and in private.
- Is versatile and situational. Is able to say ‘we must change our course,’ when necessary. Understands that instant connection to global markets, political scenarios, and increasing demands on resources, make it necessary to be responsive, adaptive and decisive upon receiving new information.
Ego-Transcendence
The 21st Century Leader:
- Views success as achieving results - not on winning or being right. The old paradigm is ‘let me do whatever it takes to get into office and then I will get to business.’ The new paradigm is ‘I will use my campaign to demonstrate that I can make a difference, and go where the people lead me.’ Understands that his/her main focus must be healing and propelling the country toward greatness – not getting and staying in power.
- Is self-aware and takes responsibility for the biases created by individual experience. Can discern between being reactive rather than responsive, disavows personal feelings of fear, under or overconfidence, anger and retribution, in pursuit of something greater than themselves or their personal feelings.
These ideas are fundamental to the art of leadership. What’s more, they are skills available to everyone. Each of us can achieve new levels of leadership within ourselves as we enter the final weeks of deciding our political leaders for the next term.
By applying these principals to our own lives, the legacy of our democratic republic will be served. When we conduct our personal and public lives with the same standards we expect from our leaders, we will contribute to the integrity of our government.
How can you and I apply these principles to our lives right now, today? I invite you to email me with what is at the top of your list. What characteristics does the 21st Century Leader need to have? By working toward these ideas together maybe we can truly become a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Observer community columnist Mike Whitehead of Charlotte is principal of Whitehead Associates Inc., a leadership and culture development consulting firm. E-mail: mike@whiteheadassociates.com.