What Does It Mean To Elect “Strong” Leaders?
Let’s commit to choosing leaders with real strength
Posted on 09-30-2019, Read Time: Min
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No one needs reminding that 2020 is an election year with enormous stakes; we all have eyes and ears. But as we prepare to ramp up for the final push of this election cycle, perhaps it would be wise to take a step back from scrutinizing the individual candidates and give some thought to the enduring qualities we seek in a leader.
We all say we want strong leaders, but what does that really mean? In recent years, so-called “strongman” leaders have been gaining traction around the globe. Whenever I hear that term, I cringe—for in my view, most of the traits and behaviors these so-called “leaders” exhibit are actually signs of weakness and cowardice. So what are some traits of leaders who are genuinely strong?
Strong leaders…
1. Are not bullies. They know strength does not flow from making others feel fearful or inferior. Strong leaders inspire their followers and lift them up. They are respectful to all, insulting to none. By contrast, intimidation and humiliation are the tactics of tinhorn despots who live in fear of being knocked off their shaky pedestals.
2. Devote themselves to service, not their egos. They do not seek office for the purpose of personal glorification, nor do they need constant praise and propping up from others. They are not motivated by gaining power over people, but rather by unleashing the power within people. They know their job is to serve, not to be served.
3. Have clear principles and act on them. Strong leaders have abiding principles that guide their behavior. They make these principles known and they act on them, even when doing so has a personal cost. Weak leaders, by contrast, shift their “principles” from day to day, based on convenience.
4. Listen. A dominant trait of strong leaders is that they value others’ opinions. They know they’re not experts on everything, so they surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are. They listen to their constituents and even to their opponents. They read a wide variety of thoughts and opinions.
5. Are truthful. Strong leaders know that long-term trust is built by speaking the truth. They don’t resort to lying to avoid criticism or to make themselves look better. Nor do they accuse the other side of being liars (i.e., fake news purveyors) when inconvenient facts are brought to light. They abhor media censorship.
6. Unite rather than divide. Strong leaders know their role is to serve all their constituents, not just some, and to foster a sense of unity and common purpose. They seek to create dialogue, not verbal warfare.
7. Invite criticism and challenge. True leaders neither surround themselves with yes-men or yes-women nor punish those who disagree with them. They want their ideas to be challenged and tested. They hire advisers who speak the unvarnished truth, so they may be better prepared to face difficult challenges.
8. Apologize and forgive. Strong leaders demonstrate humility. They take responsibility for their mistakes and apologize. Similarly, they allow others to make mistakes. They don’t bear grudges or create enemies. Conversely, weak leaders blame others constantly and try to portray themselves as being above mistakes.
9. Embrace change. Strong leaders know it is a sign of strength, not weakness (as the media can often suggest) to change their minds about issues and try new approaches or policies. They adapt their thinking to new knowledge and new developments in the world.
10. Are emotionally mature. Finally, strong leaders have a keen awareness of their own emotional landscape. They allow their emotions to inform their decision-making but not to control it. They do not react impulsively out of anger or fear. They cannot be manipulated through flattery. They are emotionally intelligent and balanced.
As we head into this election year, let’s commit to choosing leaders with real strength, not insecurity in a flamboyant or aggressive disguise.
Author Bio
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Ritch K. Eich, a retired naval reserve captain who commanded three navy units and served at NATO, JCS, Naval War College, Pacific and Atlantic Fleets and Central Command, was chief of public affairs for Blue Shield of CA. After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, he spent 20+ years as a hospital executive. He served on Congressional committees for U.S. Senators Carl Levin of Michigan and Dan Coats of Indiana. Eich has published four books on leadership, served on more than 10 boards of directors and chaired the Los Robles Hospital board of trustees. Currently serving on the editorial board of the Journal of Values-Based Leadership, he resides in Thousand Oaks, CA. Connect Ritch K. Eich |
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