Leading From Behind

11 October 2004

A couple of days ago, several of our leading news media carried stories about the leadership style of Spain's new prime minister. He reportedly promised that he would lead by following public opinion.

I'm sure he has come to the leadership with the very best of intentions, but for me at least his statements smack of the uncertain populism that has quenched so much of pioneer spirit in Europe, particularly among its young people.

It's sad to look deep into the eyes of many young Europeans and meet a vacant gaze that seems to say, 'I have some great dreams, but in the end I guess I'll settle for maintaining the status quo.'

Lead-from-behind politicos do nothing to inspire a spirit of risk-taking achievement in the societies they oversee. For good or ill, cultures are shaped by leadership.

Having a strong identity in society is not the result of collective poll taking. It is at least in part shaped by the leadership of people who combine high ideals and personal absolutes with the tempering effects of compassion and an empathy for their people.

Winston Churchill is a fine example. Even when mocked for his stubbornness, his romantic views of British history and his capacity for theatricality, Churchill marched to his own drumbeat, sticking with his principles and his feeling for the people.

Great leaders are sensitive to the views of the people; but they act with one eye on their inner moral compass.

Sometimes, people believe that you can only be a servant of the people by being docile and totally malleable in all your views. This is a mistake.

For Christians, Jesus Christ was the world's most remarkable leader. Two thousand years after his death he still commands the loyalty of millions of people of all races, including a great many who will die for their faith in him.

Jesus taught his followers that they should not seek to 'lord it over' those they lead; they should offer themselves as servants. 'He who wants to be greatest,' he said,' must become the least.'

Yet, there was no doubt who was the leader in his group. No polls were ever conducted among his fast-growing band of followers.

He sought nobody's approval before healing people, or feeding the poor, or challenging the religious powers of the day. In the end it was this unwillingness to 'toe the line' which brought about his capture and death.

Even when his actions were sure to lose him immediate support, Jesus took the big picture view and worked for the path that carried long-term benefits for the most people.

Leaders must be guided by more than expediency or popular acclaim, or the drive to establish a personal legacy in history.

There's nothing heroic about merely following the trends. Societies move forward only when leaders lead.

© Mal Fletcher 2004