being frank

Let me start this commentary by stating the obvious: No one person or nation is perfect.

As the world stumbled from the effects of COVID and continues to cope with its growing political and ideological conflicts, we’ve seen and experienced the results of actions (or the lack thereof) perpetrated by many leaders around the world. In the United States, the 400th anniversary of slavery came and went, and disagreements regarding its meaning and significance continued to fester and outrage. Yet despite these issues weighing on the world’s consciousness, such dreadful problems speak volumes to the imperfections that plague humanity and its inability to right the wrongs that should never have been seen as right to begin with. Power, greed, self-centeredness; these are as systemic as they are global, and no one person or country has exclusive rights to that type of destructive behavior.

But there are individuals throughout the world whose clarity of thought and mind cut through the heavy layers of social mendacity to guide others towards a greater sense of collaboration and understanding. They hold traits that are fundamental to the very essence of true leadership, yet we’ve allowed such central tenets to be built upon the very doctrines that seek to negate their existence.

Leadership is not solely a global affair, nor does it reside exclusively in the worlds of business or politics. It is nothing more than a personal commitment to excel in the art meaningful collaboration. It is not an easy task, and anyone who purposefully seeks it out is either crazy, courageous, dedicated, or highly narcissistic – or perhaps a little of each. Regardless of what drives a person to be a leader, the primary skill or talent he or she must possess is that of insight.

A leader must be willing to look within before seeking out. A leader must recognize that he or she is not above the struggle, but a part of it. A leader has to recognize that limitations are not obstacles, but a gauge for measuring creativity and capability. A leader knows how to extend his or her reach through the art of collaboration, and not just through the sheer exercise of power. A leader must always remember that it’s the team that possesses the capacity to create or tear down either through its innovations or inadequacies and thus must know when to guide and when to yield. Leadership is captivating through wisdom and courage, and powerful through humility and foresight. Leaders are neither saints nor saviors, nor are they a cure to the misfortunes of the world. Any leader who thinks otherwise will most likely be the cause rather than the solution and should never be allowed to persuade or influence. And if you cannot see into the heart of a leader, then there’s a very good chance that he or she cannot see into yours and is therefore not worthy of your faith and commitment.

In recent years, the losses incurred as a result of incompetent leadership have been mostly financial or ideological, as they built barriers made of speculation and empty promises to shield us from those individuals or alliances that possess the real power for positive change. But after the specter of a global pandemic shrouded the world in death, doubt and fear, it underscored how promises from overbearing leaders reveal the shallow nature of their commitment and the catastrophic results of their ineptitude. People under the yoke of oppressive or self-serving leaders lose so much, yet there is one thing they always manage to retain even in the darkest of times: Their sight.

The trick is to use that sight to see beyond the hype; to look squarely into the face of unproductive authority and find its flaws. No armor is impervious, no fear is sustainable, no ideology is perfect. Yet once you get past the rambling rhetoric or corporate jargon, you will find the truth. That will be your first sign to act. Take incremental yet necessary steps to support and reveal the truth wherever it lies. Confidently stay the course and do what you can to expose the unfairness or prejudices that affect you, your co-workers, or your community. Do your part to share a conviction of optimism and goodness in whatever way that is available to you. These are not pointless acts nor are they a waste of time or energy. They represent our basic humanity and form the elemental building blocks of effective leadership. As we look to build a better future, we must stay ever vigilant to identify and support proper leadership and motivate those individuals who understand the very nature of public trust. We must support those who seek to engender growth through fairness and understanding. Who acknowledge that power comes from being a benefit to others beyond just themselves, and who recognize opportunities, even in the darkest of times, that may build a brighter future for all. Leadership comes from within and is the most demanding yet courageous act that can be achieved in the name of public service. These are the innovators of progress; the architects of reason; the educators who aim to enlighten. And whether they exist within you or your community, they must be permitted to rise and advance so we may each help to sever the puppeteering ties that bind us.