Where have all the Great Leaders Gone?

In the arena of government, the President has been characterized by “Watergate” journalist Bob Woodward as possessing poor leadership skills.  Just down Pennsylvania Avenue, Congress has the lowest confidence of Americans in its' history.  At home, the local politician’s highest priority is not leadership but their donors who assure their reelection.  In business, leadership has suffered a severe hit as well.  In many organizations, a struggling economy has replaced leaders who innovate with fearful managers who protect their jobs. Even in families, leadership has diminished as parents sometimes work multiple jobs to make ends meet with no time left over for leading. This multi-level leadership crisis is creating great disillusionment in those who follow and begs the question “Where have all the great leaders gone?”

Leadership is Having a Crisis!

Do you remember Sheriff Woody Pride?  He was the toy leader in the movie "Toy Story."  While we may best remember space ranger Buzz Lightyear, he didn't have what it took to solve the toys' crisis.  It was Woody who came to their aid and led them.  According to Pulitzer Prize winner Gary Wills, "The leader is one who mobilizes others toward a goal shared by leaders and followers.  Leaders, followers and goals make up the three equally necessary supports for leadership." So we see that leaders mobilize people toward a goal.

If you tour a Disney property you will eventually come across this slogan.  “Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.”  As one who believes that every person on earth was created with a God-sized purpose, I know that whatever your dream is that “All things are possible…”