Leadership

I get a lot of leadership training. Maybe too much. At times I feel like a football player who has too many plays in the playbook and not nearly enough time on the field. Because of all my leadership training and reading I find myself thinking about “leadership” frequently. I do get confused sometimes if I am being loyal to business/organizational culture or if I am being true to the gospel. Am I learning how to effectively serve God or how to effectively serve the bureaucracy?

Either way I am slowly forming a picture of what I consider to be “good leadership” and becoming better equipped to evaluate my own.

Last night I saw two excellent examples of what I consider to be good leadership. First: John McCain’s concession speech. Gracious is the only word to describe it. He left me thinking that he will be willing to work with President Obama. I found McCain’s speech to be of a completely different tone than Hillary’s at the convention. She seemed to be putting on a good face but was really conflicted inside if not choking back bitterness over the loss.

I thought it especially poignant that McCain took so much time to comment on the historical nature of the election and how it was a symbol of old hatreds being cast aside. He spoke about it longer than Obama did. That seemed fitting to me. McCain also seemed genuinely upset when his supporters booed at the mention of Obama’s name showing his disinterest in any “hate and fear” politics and reminding us all that even the biggest ideological opponents are still human beings worthy of respect.

McCain said that he had served America since he was 17 years old and every single day he considered it a privilege and a blessing. Considering his story that is one hell of a statement. He showed last night that a strong democracy and the will of the people are more important to him than his personal ambitions. That reveals character. John McCain is the kind of leader I want in the U.S. Senate.

Then President-elect Obama took his turn. And instead of gloating or shouting or even appearing gleeful in his victory, he was as calm and stable and taciturn as ever. He talked again about listening seriously to those that disagree with him and I believe he will. I believe it will be a completely different atmosphere in the White House starting in January. And the more Obama invokes the memory of Lincoln, the more I believe he realizes it is his job to heal and bring unity. Most presidents elect make this promise and I realize that Obama has a great deal to learn about the job before him. But his commitment to keep rivals and opponents inside his sphere of influence seems an awfully good place to start. That shows he is not easily threatened. What an important change.

Instead of celebrating last night and basking in his own history making glory, Obama called us as a country to get to work on the problems ahead. I don’t know if you noticed but the man barely smiled last night in front of the huge crowd. Maybe it was in part exhaustion but he was not gloating last night. He’s got a job to do and he realizes it is the most serious one of his whole life.

I’m sure there is more to say but this entry is long enough. Two strong, committed, healthy leaders. That’s what I saw last night. No bluster, no façade, no puffed up ego. Just two men sold out on their own vision of this country and what it means to serve in its government. That inspires me to leadership in my own life. That’s how effective leadership works, it breeds more effective leaders.

Yes we can.