Leadership Thought #474 – The Leadership Needed in Baltimore (And Elsewhere)

Leadership is an intriguing topic. We all think we know what it is and can tell when it’s lacking, but we often define it differently. It becomes even more challenging when different sides with competing agendas and worldviews clash. Recent events in Baltimore have shed a spotlight on the challenges and importance of leadership at times. I’ve heard and read many opinions about what’s lacking and/or should be done by local leaders to mitigate the crisis. Many also want to turn the situation into a black-and-white issue, both literally and figuratively. However, we must exercise caution when drawing simplistic conclusions about intricate societal problems. Social unrest doesn’t happen overnight and then flame out. Until we address it, social unrest continuously simmers beneath the surface, waiting for triggering events to explode. Unless we learn from and grow through these events, they will only reappear with starker consequences.

I have spent many years studying leadership in the public, non-profit, and for-profit sectors. While there are obvious differences between sectors in terms of goals, objectives, and priorities, the fundamental principles of leadership remain the same. Regarding the situation unfolding in Baltimore, I hope our leaders will take the following actions:

• Lead by example and role model constructive behaviors;
• Don’t let their emotions rule their actions;
• Make sure their public communication is unifying rather than divisive;
• Stick to their principles of fairness and justice and do what’s right even when it is hard;
• Don’t let the bad actions of a few penalize the many;
• Listen to alternative points of view rather than shutting down their mind to other opinions—sometimes what we need to learn is hard to hear;
• Focus on solutions, not just problems;
• Whenever possible, strive to achieve win-win outcomes for all affected parties;
• Weed out/marginalize opportunists from their ranks who behave in ways contrary to the public good;
• To the greatest degree possible, avoid using force or coercion to make their points—violence should always be the last response;
• Appeal to the better nature of their followers rather than stoking the flames of unrest or retribution.

I don’t claim to know all the facts leading up to the recent demonstrations and violence that happened 50 miles from my doorstep. And, I don’t trust the media to provide an objective analysis. What I do know is that recent events have highlighted persistent societal divisions. There is a reason why demonstrations supporting this cause have popped up so quickly in other cities. What we need now more than ever is LEADERSHIP from our public, nonprofit, and business leaders to calm the flames of discontent and shift the pent-up energy toward more productive ends.