On Electing Leaders

When you think of a leader, what do you think of? I can not express to you how important it is to be "in charge". Whether you are in charge of a baking club, PTA, sports team, business, city, state, nation- the job should NEVER be taken lightly.  A leader should know how to wear many hats. They should know that their behavior reflects many other people. They should know that what they choose to tolerate sets up a culture. They should also know that the people they surround themselves with will also set a tone and these people should be trustworthy. When you choose someone to lead you- you must have the utmost faith, trust, and confidence that this person is willing to perform, represent you, and make SMART decisions.

I constantly say "it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks of you, as long as you are happy and you know you are doing the RIGHT thing"- in the world of leadership that saying isn't 100% true. In order to be an effective leader, you have to make sure that you are always leading by example. If someone doesn't agree with a policy you have in place you must look within and see if you have ineffectively communicated and express the importance of said policy. You may find that you have made a mistake. As far as mistakes go, it is okay to make them- SOMETIMES.  As a leader, you have to be on top of it. Remember, you are on a stage and failing in front of your peers is ungraceful and hard to shake.  This is why it is extremely important to have a solid support group surrounding you. These people should be strong where the leader is weak, not afraid to take action and advise you against ill footing.  I'm not saying it isn't okay to take risks because taking risks are part of the job but don't take a risk without being prepared for repercussions.

At this point, I am sure you are wondering where this is all coming from. Well, the presidential election has me on my soap box.  We are America. We hold a very high place on this planet. We deserve a leader who is professional, smart, has a great team, and is capable of representing America in a good light.  Unfortunately, I can not say with confidence that we have a good leader among any of our presidential candidates.

America, we need a miracle.