Igniting the Flame: The Need for Passion-Driven Leadership in Today’s World

Hey, it's election season in America! That magical time when we all come together to choose the lesser of two—wait, shouldn't we be more stoked about this? No, once again, we find ourselves caught in a familiar narrative—choosing between the lesser of two evils. We're so polarized that it feels like we've lost the art of listening, focusing instead on our disdain for the options presented. But let's pause and ask ourselves: Isn't leadership supposed to inspire us? Isn't it supposed to give us hope for today and dreams for tomorrow? In the immortal words of Bonnie Tyler, 'I'm holding out for a hero.'

The Heroes We Need: A Leadership Mosaic

In every great story, the hero embodies qualities that inspire and lift us to greater heights. Similarly, our nation's history offers glimpses of the kinds of leaders that resonate with us on a deeper level. What if we could take the modesty of George Washington, who understood the weight and responsibility of his role without letting it inflate his ego? Combine that with Abraham Lincoln's resilience, a man who steered a divided nation through its darkest hours with unwavering resolve.

Listen, if George Washington and Abraham Lincoln could form a band, they'd be headlining Coachella by now. Leadership shouldn't just check boxes; it should light 'em on fire. So why settle for monotone when we could be vibing to leadership in full stereo sound?

Picture the optimism of Ronald Reagan, who saw not just the challenges but the boundless possibilities of America. Add to that the intelligence of John Adams, a scholar and a statesman, who knew that knowledge and wisdom are the foundations upon which great societies are built.

Imagine the guts of Andrew Jackson, who was never afraid to make unpopular but necessary decisions, and the courage of Dolly Madison, Betty Ford, Michelle Obama, and Abigail Adams, who proved leadership isn't confined to the title or the office one holds. Let's not forget the inherent goodness of Jimmy Carter, who reminds us that compassion should be at the core of any leadership style.

Let's not overlook the charm of John F. Kennedy, whose magnetic personality not only captivated a nation but also rallied people around causes like the moon landing. His ability to connect reminds us that effective leadership often begins with relatability.

And what about the vision of Teddy Roosevelt? The man who conceived of a 'Square Deal' for all Americans understood that true leadership requires a blueprint for the future, one that considers the welfare of every citizen.

Then we have Gerald Ford, embodying the grace of forgiveness. In pardoning Richard Nixon, he made a highly controversial but brave move to prioritize national healing over personal or party vendettas. This act reminds us that forgiveness is often the first step toward genuine progress and unity.

Alongside these virtues, consider the strong sense of responsibility showcased by Harry Truman. His famous desk sign, 'The buck stops here,' wasn't just a catchphrase; it was a philosophy that guided his presidency. Truman knew that when things went wrong, a true leader takes responsibility rather than passing the buck.

Last but not least, consider Barack Obama's sense of vision and inclusivity, which reminds us that a leader's work is to not only dream of a better future but also to lay the groundwork for those dreams to become a reality, taking us all along for the journey.

If we blend these characteristics together, we're not just 'holding out for a hero' but actively recognizing and seeking the traits that truly ignite us as a nation. Heroes aren't born; they're made. The same goes for the kind of leaders who inspire us to dream bigger, strive harder, and believe in the idea of 'we' over 'me.'

So, if we blend all these traits—modesty, resilience, optimism, intelligence, guts, courage, compassion, charm, forgiveness, responsibility, and vision—we come closer to the multifaceted leader we're all 'holding out for.' A leader who can truly unite and excite a country, one who appeals to our higher selves and shared dreams.Leaders who not only make us proud but also inspire us to become better versions of ourselves."

The Cost of Meh Leadership

It's not enough to simply dream of better leaders; it's equally important to recognize the pitfalls of lackluster leadership. Throughout history, we have seen leaders who found themselves so alienated from their own parties and agendas that they became cautionary tales of how not to lead.

Remember Franklin Pierce? Neither does history, and there's a reason. Pierce was so divisive that his own party refused to re-nominate him for a second term. His lack of enthusiasm and inability to inspire or unify those around him resulted in one of the most ineffective presidencies in history. Similarly, John Tyler was literally expelled from his own party due to his inability to align or even engage with those who were supposed to be his allies. And let's not forget James K. Polk, who, despite accomplishing his agenda, left office with a nation on the brink of civil war. His single-minded focus failed to address or even acknowledge the divisions that would later erupt into conflict.

The consequences of such passionless leadership are dire—disengagement, distrust, and, ultimately, stagnation. Within organizations, this can manifest as plummeting employee morale, increased turnover, and a lack of innovative thinking. On a larger scale, it results in a citizenry that feels disconnected, disillusioned, and disempowered.

When leaders fail to inspire, they don't just miss an opportunity; they actively contribute to the decline of the very group they are meant to guide. That's a cost we can't afford, whether we're talking about running a country or running a company.? Leaders who act like they're in a never-ending Zoom meeting tend to produce results that are equally forgettable. Disengagement and stagnation? That's the playlist of a bad DJ, and we need someone who can actually read the room.

What We're Missing: Emotional Spotify AKA Connection

Policy wonks are great, but where's the playlist that tugs at your heartstrings?? It's not enough for leaders to be policy wonks or master strategists. While understanding the mechanics of governance is important, the real differentiator is emotional intelligence. We crave leaders who don't just dictate policies but who understand and resonate with us on a human level. This is where concepts like psychological safety and organizational health, which have been extensively explored in the corporate world, come into play.

Imagine a nation where the leader ensures that every citizen feels heard, valued, and—most importantly—safe. Just as a psychologically safe workplace fosters innovation, trust, and well-being, a nation led by someone who cultivates this sense of safety would see its citizens flourishing in similar ways.

But there's a snag. The decline in civic education and the casualization of how we view our governing institutions have eroded the respect we used to hold for these offices. This feeds into the notion that 'anyone can do it,' creating a disconnect between the populace and their leaders. The office of the President, along with other branches of government, is not just another job. It's a sacred trust, one that requires not just competence and intelligence but an emotional connection with the citizenry.

Without this emotional connection, we're left with a void that no amount of policy or strategy can fill. We find ourselves led by individuals who may tick the boxes on paper but who leave us feeling empty, disengaged, and even distrustful. It's time we start valuing the 'soft skills,' what I like to call the critical skills of leadership, just as much as the technical ones, recognizing that it's the blend of the two that makes a leader truly great. We need a leader who's the human equivalent of finding that perfect song just when you need it. They set the mood, make you feel safe, and can even get you to dance like nobody's watching.

A New Voting Paradigm: Swipe Right for Great Leadership

In this age where divisiveness often seems to be the norm, it's crucial that we shift our perspective when selecting our leaders. The current voting paradigm tends to be reactive; we're conditioned to vote against a candidate or idea that we dislike rather than voting for something that excites or inspires us. But what if we flipped that script?

This is where the psychology of positive reinforcement comes into play. When we vote for a vision, a goal, or an idea, we’re anchored by a positive force that encourages engagement and participation. On the other hand, voting against something leaves us in a sort of vacuum devoid of inspiration or a concrete path forward.

Think about it in terms of board games, a realm I know you're familiar with if you live with a Gen Xer. Take the game 'Pandemic,' where players work together to stop global viral outbreaks. Success isn't about defeating an opponent; it's about achieving a shared, positive goal. This game mirrors what's often missing in our political landscape: the collective pursuit of a better future.

Incorporating this kind of 'for' rather than 'against' mentality can revolutionize not only how we vote but also how we interact with our leaders and each other. It moves us away from a mindset of mere survival and towards one of growth and unity.

Imagine an Eleanor Roosevelt, often considered the 'Conscience of a Nation,' in today’s political landscape. Here was a leader who didn't just occupy a ceremonial role but used her platform to advocate for the marginalized and the oppressed. She extended the idea of psychological safety far beyond her immediate surroundings, aiming to make an entire nation feel seen and valued. Just as she held FDR's policies to the fire of ethical scrutiny, we, too, should demand that our leaders prioritize the well-being and dignity of all, not just those who voted for them. Eleanor Roosevelt teaches us that true leadership transcends titles and political affiliations, appealing to our collective moral compass.

It's time to shift the paradigm. Let's start voting for the “heroes” who can truly represent us and inspire passion, those who can make our organizational — and national — bodies healthier and more psychologically safe.? Enough with this voting against nonsense. We should be swiping right on leaders who make our hearts and minds go "YES!" Let's vote for a vision that has us glued, not just something that makes us shrug and say, "Could be worse." Because when we vote for something, we’re not just choosing a leader; we’re choosing a direction for our future.

A Call to Action: Quit Spectating, Start Advocating

We've laid out the problems, dissected the causes, and pined for a new kind of leader. Now, it's your turn to be a part of the solution. We each hold a monumental power: the ability to choose our leaders. It's not a responsibility to be taken lightly, and it's certainly not one to be relinquished to a system that encourages us to vote against rather than for.

To truly revolutionize how we are led, we need to become active participants, not mere spectators, in our democracy. This goes beyond casting a ballot; it's about finding and supporting those rare leaders who ignite our passions and inspire us to dream bigger.

Start local. Dive into the issues, personalities, and proposed solutions in your own backyard. Engage in conversations that cross party lines, understanding that the 'perfect' leader doesn't exist, but the right one for the moment might. And when you find them—campaign for them, speak for them, vote for them; no vote for our present and future.??

It's time to break free from the voting paradigm that keeps us tethered to uninspiring choices. Let's seek out the leaders who embody not just the skills but the emotional intelligence, the vision, and, yes—the passion—we so desperately need. Because in a world hungry for genuine leadership, being a spectator is no longer an option.

Okay, pep talk time. You know that feeling when you find a show you love so much you can't shut up about it? That should be us with our leaders. We've got to be the influencers for the kinds of leaders we want—so start hitting that "share" button, literally and metaphorically. Let's choose to be part of a future that excites us. Let's choose leaders who make us feel whole, who make work fulfilling, and who allow each of us to go home whole. And let's do it together.