Reflecting on the leadership legacy of George H.W. Bush

Today is a day of mourning for George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States. Flags are at half mast, and many government offices will be closed. In the context of personal leadership, I find him a powerful example to reflect upon.

Like many successful political leaders, he is a complex figure that can be examined and judged in many ways. Admittedly, I did not vote for George Bush for his 2nd term, but that was primarily because I was voting for Perot, which was in effect, a vote against our political structure that I still find extremely flawed. But for any flaws that he may have had, he is compelling to me as a leader in many ways. And just for today, regardless of political leanings, I hope everyone can reflect on the many positive aspects of George H.W. Bush.

Firstly, he was accomplished. At 18, he volunteered for the Navy as soon as WWII broke out, became one of the youngest aviators ever, graduated from Yale University, and became a millionaire by the age of 40. He proved he was both brave and smart, and not just in a political arena.

And unlike many of our recent presidents, he was actually prepared for the job. On top of being a proven businessman, and aside from holding elected offices, he was twice appointed as an ambassador, he was the head of the CIA, and served as Vice-President for eight years before taking the reins himself. When he was elected, you felt like there was a qualified person in the oval office.

He was a proud citizen who tried to lead positively. Unlike many pseudo-leaders in our country today, who commonly display the seemingly popular expressions of self-loathing about the state and country, Bush was quick to point out what was great about Texas and the United States. He was a visible part of the community, and strong advocate and example for people helping people, instead of relying on government to do it for us.

Finally, he just seemed to be a good man. He has the respect of his children, and was married to, and loved by, a good, strong woman for 73 years until she passed, only months before himself. In his career, he won a lot, but he lost a few as well, and through it all he kept his dignity, and laughed with the inevitable jokes and parodies that are always a part of public life – a strict contrast to the thin skin of many of today’s leaders.

Hopefully, in coming elections, we will go back to expecting leaders to be accomplished, prepared, community-oriented, and fundamentally sound as a person, as required qualifications for leadership.

From my perspective, I will never be as brave or as erudite as George H.W. Bush. So I strive every day to ensure that I am accomplishing enough to be considered worthy of the responsibility of leading people. However, like him, I am not a native Texan. But as we say here, “I got here as quick as I could”. I am proud to be a Texan – which to me means placing value on a unique combination of being self-reliant and generous, and balancing toughness with being a good friend (the Caddo meaning of the word, “tejas”). And finally, I am fortunate to have three great children, and I am similarly lucky to be married to a strong, wonderful woman, whom I hope will stick with me for the long run like Barbara did.

So, cheers, Mr. President.  Your qualifications are in short supply these days.