Stephen H Baum Leadership

It is not possible to write about “Leadership” without eventually addressing the presidential race. And to do so without taking sides (which I wont do in this arena) is difficult. 

But I am dismayed at how little we have on which to base our choice. Recognized experts in leadership will tell you that sustaining engagement of their followers requires leaders to:

– Articulate a vision that resonates 

– Translate it into terms that relate to everyday lives

– Describe credible first steps to the vision and credible solutions to obstacles

– Be transparent in thinking and values

– Be consistently authentic and of good character 

– Convey a resilience and durability in the face of adversity and setbacks

– Have a track record of the above with both deeds and words

Can you say of either Barack Obama or John McCain that you can make their legitimate case in each of the above categories? I cannot. 

The campaign is going to get even nastier and there will be attacks with loud voices focusing your attention on the “grab” of the moment. For myself, I will be making notes from listening, watching and reading over the next two months to be as wise as possible with my vote. 

And I truly hope that the media will ask the questions we need asked that reveal what we need to know in each category.