We Need More Than Leaders; We Need Role Models

Regardless of your political philosophy, the notions of hope and courage are beautiful ideals to embrace. The greatest leaders keep constituents hopeful and offer strength during tough times. It’s unfortunate that these leaders are so rare in government.

Negative campaigning is no longer a tactic limited to election time. Party politics have virtually frozen legislation. Democratic dialogue is intended to foster healthy debate, forcing extreme viewpoints to move toward the center where fair, balanced conclusions can be drawn. One side presents a thesis, another presents an antithesis, and through restrained, respectful debate, they reach a synthesis.

In practice, particularly in these modern times, debates become petty, personal and counter-productive. The goal is not to improve policy, but to destroy it. The intent is not to enhance a political perspective, but to discredit its proponent.

Earlier this year a U.S. Senator described a block of President Obama’s healthcare reform plan. “”If we’re able to stop Obama on this it will be his Waterloo. It will break him.”

The comment is troublesome, not because of the Senator’s dissent on the healthcare plan, but in his delight over the destruction of the president. Our president. His president.

If you hate a policy, fight it with all you’ve got. But to personalize it, to put ultimate focus on the person over the plan, is despicable. It demeans everyone involved. (You’ll find plenty of examples of this behavior on both sides of the aisle.) The appropriate response to poor policy is constructive criticism or a better alternative. Great leadership is about construction – not destruction.

With athletic doping, pop stars melting down and even astronauts engaged in (almost deadly) love triangles, who can kids turn to for inspiration? As a motivational speaker I’m often asked who I think are great leaders. It’s a question I really struggle with.

It is my hope that someday politicians will bring respectability back to government. I wish for athletic stars to show as much class off the field as they show skill in the game. I pray the media will report relevant, important news rather than gossip and gotcha. I long for religious leaders to walk the walk and advocate respect, tolerance and unity. We must encourage each other to act with integrity. We should vote for candidates who bring fairness and dignity to their offices. We should tune in to media outlets who strive to be fair, objective and appropriate.

Our kids are watching. They don’t just need leaders; they need role models.