Building Leadership in a Complex World

Many people are frustrated with their governments, feel ignored or marginalized, and wonder where the real leaders are.

I share these sentiments, and those of you who follow my articles, will appreciate that one of my main themes is the survival of liberal democracy in an increasingly authoritarian world.

Leadership will play a critical role in this fight for democracy.

Successful leadership requires a positive vision of the future, intelligence, honesty, an ability to communicate and connect, knowledge of and empathy with the challenges the voters face, the ability to connect with and inspire them and a degree of charisma to build the emotional bridges required to create trust.

Those who aspire to lead must also realize that voters want tangible results. Success involves leaving voters feeling that promises were delivered upon and believing that they are better off today than they were yesterday.

In my view, a successful political leader should focus on four main issues: jobs, education, health services, and safety and security. Anything else is a bonus that must be attempted when these objectives are well underway of becoming reality.

The leader must have laser-like focus and the selling skills to convince followers and voters on the merits of the vision being proposed.

If we look around, there are few leaders today who inspire their people, respect their rights, and provide a vision of the society that voters want.

One of these is New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, a leader who takes a common-sense approach to government.

Yes, she leads a small, isolated country at what often appears to be the edge of the world. But she has sharp political instincts, has managed crises superbly, advocates for an inclusive country, and has led by example by appointing native Māori to cabinet, including her foreign minister. New Zealand is a developed country and thus differs from most of the world’s nations, but her qualities are those of an effective leader. She has earned the trust of her electorate and the admiration and respect of many around the world.

It is sad to say that I cannot think of another example of such a leader in today. However, in the recent past, Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel have set the bar very high. 

Mandela spent 27 years in prison and forgave his jailers upon release. He shared a vision of a rainbow society free of hatred and rancor. He won power democratically and did what most leaders never do. He never sought absolute power although it was there for the taking. He left an honest legacy, was never tainted by scandal, and respected the rights of all. 

Merkel served as Chancellor of Germany for sixteen years and was skilled in governing Germany with quiet effectiveness while leading Europe during several crises. Her honesty, her modesty, and her ability to relate to the average citizen won her admirers everywhere.

There are others.

In the U.S. Liz Cheney is leading the fight against former president Donald Trump within the Republican Party even though it will likely put her Congressional seat at risk. One may not agree with her political positions on some issues, but she is demonstrating leadership by putting the good of her country over personal ambitions and rewards.

Why are there not many apparent leaders waiting in the wings?

Because the 24/7 media circus that lays bare personal lives dissuades many potential leaders from running. They don’t want to subject themselves or their families to constant scrutiny. 

Social media demands that leaders act or respond immediately without adequate time to think things through. As well, most would be leaders look towards the election cycle to determine the political consequences of any decision — often taking the easy way out rather than confronting the difficult challenges facing society.

Democratic leadership requires consensus building which is sadly lacking in today’s highly polarized political arena. It also requires compromise which is anathema to radicals at both ends of the political spectrum.

Strong and effective democratic leadership depends on the individual’s ethics, values, charisma, and honesty. 

It will continue to elude us if potential leaders evade involvement in the political process. Voters cannot abstain from voting and expect better results. They must demand that the current leadership make running for office attractive way to contribute talent and experience to governance. 

Political parties must select leaders who meet high ethical standards and promote inclusive policies for all citizens. 

Finally, we all must find a way to avoid completely the discourse of hatred and division that dominate today’s politics.

Absent this, we will all continue to complain and lament the lack of leadership since, in many cases, each of us avoids direct action.

Without direct involvement and commitment by every voter, complaining will continue to produce no results, and leadership will continue to prove elusive.

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Edición: Laura Espejo