Confronting Powerlessness: The Sign of True Leadership

Political Divisiveness in a Time of Financial Crisis

I woke from a dream this morning that John McCain and Barack Obama had met and declared a moratorium on attacks on each other and had made a commitment to bring the American people together in this time of crisis.

There is something deeply disturbing about the divisiveness and rancor that is going on politically. When our financial system is in a state of total breakdown this is not helpful.  Continued verbal attacks are dangerous, might lead to physical violence,  and certainly will drive Americans  further apart.  A mark of true leadership would be to start working now to bring us together.

Powerlessness Underneath Sarah Palin’s Attacks

For the past two weeks I have been very disturbed by the conduct and words of Sarah Palin.  I was obsessed with her and was not at peace.  I had to inquire into this or I could not live with myself.  After much soul searching here’s what I found:  behind her folksy demeanor, Ms. Palin is a very angry woman. Life has taught me that underneath anger there is always an emotion that human beings are desperate not to feel-powerlessness.

Suddenly I saw why she had become a politician; it was the only way she could be powerful in a fast changing world that was leaving her small town, evangelical Christian world behind.  Feeling victimized and powerless is a human experience I know well. There are a three ways to deal with it: to become a doormat and perpetual victim, to attack and victimize others,  or to empower oneself and work with others to effect change.  The last option is open only to those who have confronted and worked through their powerlessness.

What Kind of Leadership Would Make a Difference?

The U.S. is in a big mess now. Not only are we in the middle of an election that comes on the heels one of the worst performing Presidents in American history, but it features the first African American ever to run for President.  People are yearning for a better, more effective leader. The unexpected whammy in all complexity this has been the collapse of the financial system both here and abroad.

There is rampant fear and panic as people watch their retirement accounts and the value of their homes dribble away almost overnight.  All of this comes on top of this wildly anticipated election. What is to be done? What is needed here?

A Leader with Authentic Power

I say what we need now is a leader who demonstrates authentic power.   What we don’t need is candidates who  blame and attack.  A true leader would:

• Re-direct us away from panic and blame and request us to look inside at the human sources of our problems.
• Ask us how we can work together rather than expecting government to solve it all for us.
• Demonstrate gut level honesty with no sugar-coating.
• Take complete responsibility for his errors and set an example for whatever sacrifices he is asking others to make.
• Through his vulnerability and transparency, inspire us with a new vision for the future.

From Them to Us

The answer in perilous times like these, is never to give in to the seductive thought that getting rid of them would make things better.  It won’t–because inside every them is an us. The finest  leaders know this,  would help us see it, and would bring us together.

Write us! Let us know how you are coping with the challenges and stresses of this election and financial crisis.  How peaceful have you been lately?