NRA News, March 2009
Junior Officers Column
By LCDR Steven L. Rogers, USN National VP for Junior Officers
When discussing topics related to America’s leaders, most people focus on current day reports about the leaders who let us down, who compromise their oath of office, and who violate both legal and moral ethics. Very rarely does such a discussion focus on those individuals who provide good leadership for our nation, our states, or our local governments.
It appears that people from Main Street, U.S.A., are losing confidence in their leaders because, more often than not, when they turn on the radio, watch television, or read a newspaper, they are learning about another American leader being arrested for violating his or her oath of office. Sadly to say, it appears that this has become the norm rather than the exception.
Many people have resigned themselves to accept the fact that no matter what some leaders promise the public, somewhere down the road, they will become a disappointment because of violations of ethical, moral, or legal standards.
This should not be construed as an indictment of all American leaders. There are thousands of men and women across our land who hold positions of leadership, and who lead with great distinction, especially the leaders of our Armed Forces.
This is, however, an indictment against leaders who commit an illegal or unethical act, or those leaders who turn their heads when an illegal or unethical act is committed in their presence and stand by and do nothing.
Some people argue that we are placing the “ethical or moral bar” too high for our leaders. The “bar” on ethics, morality, integrity, and other positive leadership principles can never be placed too high. Many leaders make promises which are impossible to keep, and others set goals which are unrealistic. Such promises create a wide “credibility gap” between the leader and the people he/she serves. People want credible leaders. Every individual who holds a leadership position, be that position in a private or government office, should demonstrate an ability to progress toward an attainable goal.
Citizens from every corner of our nation want their leaders to be encouraging, not discouraging. I do not suggest that all leaders should hide problems under a rug and ignore them. But I do suggest that leaders need to develop in their persona the “art of the possible.”
I remember years ago when I was attending a briefing with several high ranking military officers. An Admiral chairing the briefing said, “I do not want to hear all the reasons why we cannot achieve our goals. Instead, I want to hear how we are going to overcome our obstacles and achieve our goals.” That is a shining illustration of the “art of the possible!”
Perhaps Robert F. Kennedy said it best, “Some men see things as they are and ask why? I dream of things that never were and ask, why not?”
American citizens yearn for leaders who will not compromise their beliefs and always make decisions based on facts, not emotions, and with the common good of the people in mind.
Our nation needs leaders who will eliminate from their vocabulary the words, “it cannot be done,” and add the words, “it can be done; let’s find the way to do it.”
People want their leaders to be ready, willing, and able to listen to others and be ready to learn from others as well as learn their own mistakes. “Pride comes before a fall.” Many leaders have fallen because of their pride. A leader who is humble enough to admit he or she is wrong is demonstrating a good leadership characteristic.
Today, we have an overabundance of leaders who are not consistent in their thoughts or actions. The people deserve better.
America has an overabundance of leaders who make a living at criticizing or demonizing others to make themselves look good. Just look at the negative ads during a political campaign. People do not want to hear about how bad the other guy is, nor do they want to hear about the other guy’s failures. This type of rhetoric is old and worn out.
People want their leaders to act prudently and reasonably when confronted with challenges which can make or break a person or a nation. Making decisions based on emotions or without seeking counsel from others is dangerous. There is a biblical proverb which states: “There is safety in a multitude of counselors.” Many leaders should heed these words before making decisions.
America needs leaders who are not drawn by the spoils of the position they hold, and who are not held hostage by power, position, or wealth.
By comparison, many of America’s civilian leaders have a lot to learn from their military counterparts.
“A leader is a man who can adapt principles to circumstances.” –– General George S. Patton