A new day for leadership in America and the world

The American people showed up in record numbers to exercise their democratic right and responsibility and have chosen a new president and vice president by an overwhelming majority of votes. In fact, no presidential ticket has received more votes in the history of the United States of America. While I am an independent in politics, I am far from indifferent when it comes to sharing my views on leadership and I see at least ten reasons to celebrate a new day for leadership in America and the world.

Leaders with a moral compass

Many people found it disappointing to see two white men in their seventies fight for the highest office in the United States. I can relate, after all it is the year 2020 and one would have expected greater gender- and generational balance to show up as we choose leadership for the future. Having said that, aside from age and whiteness, the two candidates could not be more different. The winner, Joe Biden, has a strong sense of purpose and believes in exercising principled leadership. He will bring morality back to the oval office and see it as his role to humbly serve humanity. He knows that no leader has all the answers and will surround himself with people who make him and his leadership better. His conscious choice of a vice president who once was his opponent is perhaps the best example of how he is not a victim to the hubris syndrome we have seen entirely too many examples of, not just in America‘s leadership but around the world. Joe will lead with a moral compass and show both current and future generations that character matters.

Change Who to change How

Role models matter and Joe Biden‘s running-mate, Kamala Harris, is not only going to be the first female vice president, but also the first black VP and the first one of Asian descent. A daughter of immigrants, Kamala brings much needed diversity to the leadership team in the highest office in the US. When we change the face of leadership, we change what and how we see the world and its challenges and solutions. Kamala Harris reflects America as it already is and with a seat at the table she is likely to reset the ?rules of leadership“ to better fit the 21st century we are already in.

Red, white and blue

The two of them have made it clear that they will serve all Americans and will focus on healing and uniting a deeply divided nation. This should of course be the expectation from all those serving in leadership, but has unfortunately not been the reality as of late. Both emphasized their commitment to bringing the kind of leadership that will help the country embrace all the colors of its flag – red, white and blue. As expressed by president-elect Biden: 

"I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify. Who doesn't see red states and blue states, only sees the United States. I sought this office to restore the soul of America, to rebuild the backbone of this nation, the middle class, to make America respected around the world again, and to unite us here at home."

The future is forward

We have been trained to think about politics along the left vs. right spectrum. Personally I no longer find this fit for purpose in a world facing global challenges that first and foremost require innovation and forward thinking. It feels as Americans have now made the conscious choice to go forward rather than buy into the illusion that we can ever go back to greatness. Having said that, it will require leadership from all of us to figure out how we go forward together as nearly half of America‘s voters now feel left behind.

America joins the world again

With new leadership at the helm, it will be good to see America joining other global leaders in tackling our global challenges again. During difficult times some leaders think that going it alone will serve them and their country best when it is indeed a fact that during such times that the world‘s leaders need to come together in service of humanity‘s global challenges. 

A green wave

We experienced neither a blue wave, nor a red one, but a green one is emerging. In many polls we saw as much as 70% of Americans calling for its leadership to address climate change. We seem to be finally hearing the loud calls from our kids in the streets and perhaps the many severe weather events and forrest firest across the United States are helping us wake-up. It indeed seems we are now more united than divided on the need for clean air, water, food and energy, as we should be. America will be warmly welcomed to Paris again where it can join the EU, China, Japan and many more in showing ambition and action on climate. America‘s recovery will now be focused on green, clean and well paying jobs – ones that create shared prosperity on a healthy planet.

Leading during a pandemic

It‘s been a tough year in America and around the world with many lives lost to the global pandemic. We‘ve seen little empathy from the highest office in the country and we‘ve found ourselves debating science as if there are facts and alternative facts. Joe has a deeply painful and personal experience with loss himself, he will be an empathetic leader. He also believes and trusts truth and science. Both will be essential to leadership during a global pandemic. 

Spouses break stereotypes

Jill Biden will be the first First Lady to hold a paid job of her own and Doug Emhoff will be the first second gentleman and he has a legal career of his own. As spouses, both are breaking long held stereotypes and as such will serve an important role in redefining leadership. We should not underestimate how stereotypes linger and continue to shape our societies. It is likely that the two couples will face the power of them on multiple occasions, but lets celebrate these important examples of true partnerships between powerful men and women alike.

Resilience wins

After decades in politics and quite a few defeats, Biden is at last going to be the president of the United States. Resilience may be the most important life skill to develop in ourselves and to teach our kids. Biden‘s story may be one of the most remarkable examples of why one should never give up.

Hope & joy replace fear & hate

Perhaps the most powerful quote from Biden‘s speech last night was his call to ?End the grim era of demonization.“ We are all exhausted from the fear and hate we have seen too much of for too long. Seeing celebrations break out on the streets of cities across America last night felt good. Hope and joy are essential to life and singing and dancing are how healthy humans express their need to be one with others. Let us overcome this era of division and demonization with a renewed focus on hope, love and joy for all.