Many pundits in the media said it was not possible. Many politicians on all sides said it could never happen. The pubic too, thought it would be a profound joke. It soon appeared to be the greatest battle in history, where there was little doubt it would lead to a victory for the seasoned political campaigner, while the businessman would soon fall by the wayside and disappear into the ether.
History was made on November 8, 2016 at the 45th US presidential election, when a business tycoon rose from the world of reality tv, against all odds to claim a victory in a race he was told he could never win.
As a result of the election, people began wailing in the streets. There was a gnashing of teeth and a consistent personal persecution for those who thought such an outcome was not possible. There was senseless rioting, looting and other idiotic behavior. There is now absolutely nothing anyone can do to change the outcome of the election.
That being said, what do you consider to be the traits of a great leader? To be the president, especially of a free and democratic country like the United States, there are certain necessary traits. What do you think they might be?
Irrespective of the side of politics to which they belong, most successful presidential candidates carry with them, the hopes and dreams of the nation. That’s inevitably a large percentage of the public, even those who don’t bother to vote but who can so easily feel slighted when the election doesn’t go the way they would have liked.
There are always great hopes with a new leader. It’s that fresh broom the nation hopes can sweep clean. Too often, presidential candidates fall short of their promises. Some fall well short.
There are many different opinions on the leadership qualities of a president. Each individual leaves a legacy: Each former incumbent has no problem telling whomever will listen, how great they were and what terrific shape the country was in when they exited the White House, irrespective of the economic climate and any contrary opinion. It’s very rare for all sides of politics to agree on the abilities or otherwise of a president and the success or otherwise on their tenure.
There are those people who believe that a president can do no wrong, no matter what he/she does. There are the die-hard democrats and republicans and no amount of proof can ever shift their opinion.
In many ways, running a country is somewhat like running a business, though no doubt on a much larger scale!
As a leader, not everyone is going to like you and certainly not everyone is going to support your policies. Unlike a business, constituents don’t have the ability to easily walk away to another business.
Consider the following as some mandatory traits for a President:-
- Integrity
- Vision
- A strong conviction
- Great negotiation skills
- Drive
- Determination
- Excellent communication skills
- A passion for excellence
No doubt you can think of many more traits. In the end, the president, just like a great business leader, must have the welfare of the people and the good of the country at his heart. Without it, like the business leader, he could become alienated and isolated. His government is ultimately voted out and a new leadership voted in.
A brand new president, like a company CEO, requires time to settle into the role. The president needs to examine his new role, appoint the necessary people to key positions and understand the crucial features of the portfolio.
By the end of the first term it should be obvious to the nation if their chosen leader is performing as promised, or a dismal failure.
Is your president therefore a true leader? Is he someone you would be proud to have as a company CEO? Is he a good communicator? Does he make you feel proud? Has he displayed the courage, determination and the metal to navigate through the difficult times?
When you look at your president, it’s important to see past the façade. See the achievements in the context of the collective benefit to the nation as a whole. Are you confident ye will act in the best interest of the people? Can you consider your president a true statesman … a representation of the greater good?
Cherish and embrace the goodness you find. Understand that the president is after all, a human being: A man with all the frailties, faults and failures which can accompany that position of greatest responsibility.
Photo—www.glynlowe.com/Flickr