Last week's WYFP by blue jersey mom got me thinking about what it takes to be a good leader. Okay, I've been thinking about leadership for some time. But this reminded me of an FP I've had with many leaders.
WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here. Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?
I'm enthusiastic about the whole concept of leadership. I signed a minor in leadership studies at my university, I have a couple of books about leadership, I've attended a number of leadership conferences and programs - and, yes, I've begun to take on more active leadership roles on my campus and in my community.
One of the most important qualities that separates the best leaders from the rest is their character. It's hard to define what I mean when I use the word 'character,' and I think we all have different definitions of what makes up someone's character.
Even so, I think we all know good character - and bad character - when we see it.
Which leads (no pun intended) me to my f***ing problem for tonight: Why do so many leaders lack the character we all should expect in them?
If you want me to call you a great leader, you sure as hell better have the character to prove that you are worthy of such an honor. If you don't have that character, why should anyone trust you?
We can all think of examples of leaders acting like they do not deserve the leadership role with which they've been trusted. Dubya certainly comes to mind, but we've also known leaders in the fields of business, sports, religion, and entertainment who have been less than ethical.
What might be worse, though, is that so many people see this kind of unethical leadership yet do little to nothing about it. By their inaction and silence, they send the message that it is okay. (I think you may have an idea who I'm thinking of as I write this paragraph.)
I could go on and on and on about unethical leadership. But I think you get my drift.
So What's Your F****** Problem?