Leaders of Democracy or Division?

Our founding fathers felt that they needed to give guidance to support the ongoing evolution of this young nation. We as a nation have grown over the last 240 years and have weathered the storms of wars, economic decline, disease, civil unrest, change of our society through laws, technological advancement, innovations, evolving change, chaos, and social destruction. Our founding fathers were wise in that they realized we as a nation would need a blueprint to continue in support of the growth and natural development of our new nation. Washington in his guidance wrote a farewell address in which he thanks the country for supporting him and discusses what is needed in straightforward terms. “The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize”.

Unity of government, is what Washington wished for the new country. Democracy a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. It doesn’t say that we will have arguments over whether to vote in person or by mail. It doesn’t say that we will have representatives who create continual verbal sparring and conflicts. It is not government that is to represent only a segregated few or key supporters. Aristotle said it best “Find the good, Seek the unity, Ignore the divisions among us.

We need to find a common good to reverse the divisions of our society today. There are far too many people who believe in the negative and ignore the positive as a message that continues the elevated discourse. Leadership is not about pointing out all of the wrongs, evil, and potential problems, it is about the future and hope. A manager focuses on the present resources and problems, a leader focuses on the future, giving hope and direction. Leaders should be role models that we as a country want to emulate.

Leaders

·          Create a vision

·          Are role models

·          Provide hope

·          Demonstrate effective interactions with all

·          Inspires people to want to be better than they are

·          Promote unity over divisiveness (we are in this together)

Effective leaders help us to have clarity of the future and support us in achieving that future. Leaders are motivators who help us get through the mundane and support all people to unite to achieve a better future. True authentic leaders inspire us to collectively want to struggle together and help each other to achieve a national brighter future. We find ourselves in a conflicted society, in a pandemic, coupled with uncertainty, economic decline and the questioning of law enforcement. We now, more than ever do not need leaders who defy civility, present the negative, and tell us about the evil in others. We need leaders who ask questions, listen, and can guide us all to a better tomorrow.

We are a great nation of talented women and men. We need to focus on our future as a nation by focusing on what is best for our country and our people. Look for leaders who speak of goals that will create unity. As a nation we pride ourselves on individualism at the same time, we need to move toward the goal of national unity. We need to have leaders who will agree to support the well-being of our country and all its people.