Rowitz On Leadership

I was recently watching a presidential debate on television with nine potential presidential candidates.   What became clear over the two hour debate was that these nine people did not seem to agree on what a leader is or should be.  Politics often blurs definitions and agreements about policy.    It seems clear that leadership is not a static phenomenon.    The skills needed to be a successful and effective leader are not the same today as they were fifty years ago.    We no longer seem to respect our leaders and the decisions that they make.    For example, every decision our President makes is criticized regardless of the merits of the decision.  I would like to start a list of the skills needed for successful leadership today:

1. A sense of humor is critical.  Humor often relieves stress.
2. Regardless of your position on critical and non-critical issues, ethical decision-making should guide your performance.
3. Science takes precedence over politics. Leaders must not discount scientific evidence.   It can be questioned and it needs to guide action.   For example, the issue of climate change needs to be addressed in a rational way.
4. Racial  and religious dynamics are real.    Leaders must find ways to deal with the result of these dynamics.
5. Respect your leaders even if you do not always agree with them.
6. Do not distort facts in order to promote your own agenda.
7. Collaboration is the secret of success in today’s world.

The lack of good leadership  is a major problem.   Yesterday’s leadership skills need to be modified to fit today’s world. Happy 2016.