Daily Herald opinion: Many issues are being debated this election; one means more than all the others — decency
We were thinking the other day, what is the mark of a leader? And certainly, there are many characteristics. Vision, drive, collaboration, perseverance, discipline, courage, equanimity, among them.
Of all the characteristics, the ability to inspire may be most important.
But not simply inspire. To inspire the best in us, not the worst. To call to our better angels. Not just to provide a sense of mission and purpose but to give us cause to embrace them.
Think back to school and your best teachers. Think back to work and your best bosses. Think back to your spiritual life and your best spiritual mentors. Think back to your parents and the best in their parenting.
The best among them taught respect. The best among them taught a moral code. The best among them taught teamwork and compassion and integrity. The best among them taught us to reach for greatness by being better than we knew.
Not by cutting corners. Not by abuse or mistreatment. Not by self-absorption. Not by dishonesty. Not by contempt.
Rather, someone who encourages us to try to be the best versions of ourselves.
Isn't that what you try to do with your children and your grandchildren? Isn't that how you try to model your behavior for them?
We went looking to Forbes’ 100 Best Quotes on Leadership for some insights into this question. Here is a bit of what we found:
“You don't lead by hitting people over the head. That's assault, not leadership.” -- Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good leader.” -- Aristotle.
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind but not weak; be bold but not bullying; be thoughtful but not lazy; be humble but not timid; be proud but not arrogant; have humor but without folly.” -- Jim Rohn. author of "12 Pillars of Success" among several personal development books.
“Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better.” -- Bill Bradley, a Hall of Fame basketball player and a former U.S. Senator.
“No one will make a good leader who wants to do it all himself or to get the credit for doing it.” -- Andrew Carnegie.
“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.” -- Sam Walton.
“The supreme quality of leadership is integrity.” -- Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Extended early voting is underway. Election day is Tuesday. Nov. 5.
Despite all of our blessings, we live in a time of such inexplicable anger and polarization. Above all else, we need leaders who will help bring us together.
Vote decency.