Leadership Lessons from the White House Bowling Alley

Since I went after-work bowling at the White House with a few colleagues several days back, I've been thinking a lot about how we Americans view leadership. 

It is a lucky peculiarity of our form of government that the most powerful man in the world lives in a house accessible by all, and unbounded by meaningful barriers. I live four blocks from the White House, and most visitors can walk right up to the fence. I've had the honor of visiting many foreign ministries and official residences and few, if any, are as accessible. In fact, the White House is the only private residence of a head of state open free of charge to the public.

We don't have kings or queens, only a "Mr." President (and hopefully one day a "Madam" President). The President doesn't live in a palace or mansion, just a "house." Many wealthy Americans live in homes much larger than the White House. The Oval Office is a lot smaller than you think and tinier than what you see on TV. The President doesn't make much money either. Certainly, millions of Americans earn more money than him. Some make as much in one day as he does in an entire year.

In short, we Americans historically pride ourselves on the humility of our leaders rather than their wealth. On their ability to govern rather than their ability to raise capital. And this focus has served us well. Humility has been the only crown worn by good Presidents. Let us hope it remains so for our next leaders as well.