"Leadership owns leaders. It is not to be gained by studying books like this. It is innate. It seems to be encoded in the DNA." I think this is true from what I have experienced...there may be individuals that are in leadership positions, but they are more of a boss than a leader...I would not follow them anywhere unless coerced. From my USAF time, that would mean that I would follow their orders as a soldier, respecting their position, if not them.
Another point Miller mentions is Samuel's selection of Saul as Israel's leader, after an overall comment:
- · Leadership is not as it appears but as it performs
- · Tall, debonair, handsome, Harvard-Business-School Saul. So impressive was Saul physically that Samuel mistook appearance for ability.
- · So Samuel opted for image over substance, and Saul became king.
- · Although Saul was not a good king, he was a necessary king. He was necessary because he became the ultimate picture of how kings should not be and how they should not rule.
Could not this same statement be made concerning how America voted for the current President? Did America carefully scrutinize the measure of the person, or just look superficially? This is an issue that warrants more review, and anyone who lands on this page is free to comment...
I’ll save citing references for dialogue posts and will instead cite opinion and thought. I agree with your statement to an extent. I do not favor a particular party because I believe there is really only one party in this country, ‘old money.’ However, as to your statement, I do believe Americans often vote for a president or other elected official because of the potential for change that they convincingly offer voters. While some, perhaps many, might be well intended, the system in which they operate is cumbersome and slow. The change and hope offered rarely occur quickly, and as result of this time-released leadership, the people become disenfranchised with the system.
ReplyDeleteAmericans are swooned by their political suitors, who promise to right all wrongs and bring fairness to the land. It’s the same rhetoric that’s been around for generations – campaign promises to the people and back room deals with lobbyists and constituents who foot the campaign bill. Every president goes through a similar transformation during their tenure. They start out being popular and by the time the leave office, the country is happy to say ‘good riddance.’ It’s the American way, I suppose.
But you do make a viable point in stating that Americans are more concerned with a leader’s appearance (to be leader) than to actually be a leader. The underlying problem, I think, is that citizens don’t know what leadership really is. Therefore, they don’t know what to expect other than empty promises. Perhaps like Saul, some presidents serve as examples of what leadership isn’t. Perhaps some are necessary presidents!
Bill
ReplyDeleteClearly our nation has turned its collective back on prayer...not "doing like DSL", BUT, in the book 5,000 Year leap, the author makes the case that virtuous leaders can only be chosen by a virtuous people...so how do the people become virtuous? I would argue by returning to the ONE who created int all for guidance...but we have slowly and surely pushed GOD out of everything, and there can only be one result...unless we who know better do SOMETHING...that is the main driver for me being in this course...I plan on doing something, but GOD has not told me what it is...I only pray that when He says "DO" I will be ready, for His glory!
Yama
By the way Bill, I forgot to mention that the underlying thing I'm after is not necessarily "party" related...it is TRUTH. There are so many falsehoods present, determining TRUTH takes a lot of prayer and research...
ReplyDelete