Leadership Crisis in America

VA hospitals neglecting our veterans, global warming, a
poorly rated public education system, unaffordable health
care, and corporate corruption running amok have all been
in the news. What’s going on here? What do all of these
have in common?

“Inadequate leadership”‘ is the answer.

Steven Covey, in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly
Effective People, mentioned the discovery of an interesting
phenomenon when he reviewed success literature written
during the last 200 years. The success literature of the
past 50 years emphasized the importance of personality and
skill development. The literature of over 50 years ago by
writers such as Emerson, Thoreau, and others, emphasized
character and inner development.

What happens if we do not build a strong foundation through
inner development? We have witnessed charismatic
politicians, ministers, athletes, and others with
tremendous communication and interpersonal skills who ended
up in disgrace and/or prison. What was missing? The
foundation. It was either missing or unstable. Character is
the foundation upon which we must build skills, techniques,
and strategies for effectiveness which can withstand the
test of time and temptation. Without strong character the
likelihood is that our skills will be misused and
improperly channeled, which may be damaging to us and
others.

Competent leaders with character and integrity who lead by
example are needed. We need principled leaders who
genuinely care about the welfare of others.Where are the
great leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and
Mahatma Gandhi? We need leaders of this caliber.

The good news is that we can develop successful leaders. We
can achieve this by examining great leaders and systems
that are producing results. Then we can create and use
models of what is working. This is an effective way to
address the problem.

Schools are one place where we can start developing future
leaders. Our schools need to teach character education and
create a climate where kids strive for excellence and learn
to care about others.

Are there examples of such schools? Fortunately there are
many. For example, kids from the poorest neighborhoods who
go to KIPP charter schools, who are on the average two
grades behind when they start, are outscoring students from
excellent schools on standardized tests. The students
develop character traits and work in a spirit of
cooperation to help each other succeed. The teachers are
excellent leaders whose dedication inspires students to
bring out their best.

True leaders are torch bearers who nurture the seeds of
greatness in their followers. Helping others to unfold
their potential is education and leadership at its best.
Developing more of these types of leaders is a solution to
the leadership crisis.

Copyright 2007. Raymond Gerson

—————————————————-
Raymond Gerson has over 40 years experience coaching and
teaching career and personal development. He is also an
adjunct professor of college success strategy courses. He
is the author of five books, including Create the Life You
Want. Two of his career how-to e-books and a motivational
audio presentation are available as free gifts. Go to:
http://www.raymondgerson.com/freeGifts_landingPage.html