"Strong" Leadership

Awakened with the morning alarm to the sound of a California gubernatorial candidate saying that the state needs "strong" leadership.

This "call" for something other than, presumably, "weak" leadership, gets one's attention.

What followed?

A brief summary of the state's budget shortfall, education-related problems, and the need for jobs.

Then, a statement by this candidate of pertinent qualifications--specifically, a listing of business positions held, where the individual claims to have created many many jobs.

That's it; neat, simple, and direct.

The implication: "Strong" leadership means "I'll make good things happen."

The problems: California isn't a business; California governors don't create jobs by themselves (and, incidentally, neither do the best CEOs); and jobs creation will often compete for dollars and legislation with the very same problems in education and the economy that also need attention and concerted action.

Perhaps the most misleading aspect of this sort of call for "strong" leadership is that it fails to recognize the roles all California residents must play in solving these sorts of gripping problems.

If this candidate could list past successes in engaging groups and motivating consensual action toward shared goals (starting with the clear acknowledgment that some corporate "we" rather than "I" did so much in previously held positions), the call for "strong" leadership would sound more compelling and the list of qualifications would be more relevant. It would also demonstrate real-world understanding of the tasks facing elected representatives.

Jobs Creation Summit

Some will say President Obama is "passing the buck" on solving unemployment due to the recession and dispiriting economic climate. Consider, however, the way in which a summit opens the door, encourages teamwork, and steers a course toward development of shared goals.

Why haven't others called for those with ideas, from whichever party or ideological stripe, to contribute toward solutions to pressing problems?

Fears of being called "weak," "indecisive," or "lacking in ideas."

What has long been mistaken here is that leadership requires getting past these sorts of fears.

In reaching out, this president squarely places the emphasis and the reward on the quality of good ideas.

The Value of Timing

Health care, Afghanistan, gay rights/issues, and climate change have each demanded consideration and all beg for action. President Obama seems, at the outset, to provide calls to action and, then, to the consternation of many, seems to let things percolate.

The "right" screams and hollers. The "left" moans and groans. Senate and House members take sides and photo ops. Talk-show hosts of every stripe rant and rave. And all-day all-night "news" services keep the talking heads talking.

Slowly, very slowly, things quiet. Reason more than shouting and name-calling appears to take precedence. The only folks listening and giving ideas are ones who actually have thought about and worked unstintingly for some change.

And then, the President speaks out in support of policy action.

Leading by following? Only after setting a general direction and only moving as fast as those who are interested are willing to move at all.

Creating shared vision and enabling participation. Two particular virtues of this president's sense of timing.