Lessons Learned

I have been reflecting on what we can learn from our country’s recent political environment, and how we can apply these lessons to our leadership. My intent is not to make a political statement, but rather to step back and look broadly at leadership actions, assessing what works and what does not.

In the following paragraphs I have identified three lessons we can apply, all of which directly impact how we function as leaders. Each lesson is borne out of what we have recently experienced, and I believe can impact us greatly if followed on a daily basis.

It’s Typically Not “What”, But “How”

Over the years, and especially in recent times, I have come to realize that it is rarely “what” we say, but rather “how” we say it. In other words, the policies we promote and the stances we take, although not always accepted by others, can be respected in the long run if put forth in a non-judge mental manner. If we allow our emotions to drive how we respond to others; if we choose personal attacks, and character assassination over focusing on the substance of our idea, concept, or plan, we lose the ability to be influential because people will begin to turn us off.

The best leaders I have observed are those who make the decision, regardless of the rhetoric they face, to stick to the issues at hand; to control their emotions, and take the high road when responding to critics. Frankly, it is only through this type of approach that we can truly be respected and trusted as leaders.

Sustained Change

Leaders have a choice to make when promoting and implementing change which might be viewed as controversial. The choice is between short-term gains and long-term sustainability. Anyone can quickly drive change if they think they have many backers to support their idea, but without a coalition it can’t be maintained. As leaders we must realize that this is the simple reality of the change process. We can push through and implement almost anything for a brief period, but if we want the change to last, or at least be retained at some level over a period in time, it requires a coalition.

So what this means is that although we might have a clear idea related to how we want something to go, or a vision regarding to how an initiative should be implemented, we must be willing to accept a certain level of input and change if sustainability is to be achieved.

Principled Leadership

As some of you may know I live in Arizona and thus was blessed to observe the actions of the late Senator, John McCain. Although there were many lessons to learn from John McCain’s life, as an example how he conducted himself as a prisoner of war in Vietnam; refusing to be released until others were allowed to leave, the items I am highlighting came from his run for president against at that time Senator Barack Obama.

During the presidential campaign there were two specific times, in my estimation, when Senator McCain showed us how to function a principled leader. The first was in a town hall meeting when a participant sought to assassinate Senator Obama’s character as a father and husband. McCain quickly responded to the individual indicating she was wrong, that Senator Obama was a good man. He very easily could have not responded, or have done so in a different manner, but he CHOSE to defend Obama – his opponent.

At the end of the presidential race, when McCain was giving his concession speech, he congratulated Obama and his audience erupted in a chorus of boos. He immediately stopped and indicated to the crowd that this was not acceptable. Again, having just lost the race for president he could have easily shrugged off the crowd’s gesture, which was in support of him personally, but rather he CHOSE to take the high road.

What I learned from these extraordinary reactions by Senator McCain was that leaders either operate in a principled manner or they don’t. I don’t believe there is any gray area, the decision is binary, leaders either operate from a certain set of principles or they don’t, and frankly this is likely one of the most difficult issues leaders face.

I believe these are three lessons we can all learn from personally. I am not saying that any of them are easy, but if followed, they can make a positive difference in how we operate and are seen by others.

I know there are many other lessons to be learned from our recent political environment, and I would encourage you to share takeaways which you have reflected upon in the comments section below. At a minimum take some time away from your busy, stressful schedule and think through what leadership lessons you have learned recently. I think you will find it to be productive experience.