What would it be like if our leaders spent more time building people up instead of tearing each other down?
We have become desensitized to the state of our political process here in the U.S. The order of business is to destroy opponents at any cost in order build up the perception of yourself. This is a very old way of operating in the world dating back millennia, probably to Neanderthal times. Grade school bullying seems to be the best analogous situation.
Over the past 20 years modern business theory has promoted a team approach that encourages healthy dialogue and disagreement that nets a better result. The best, often most revered companies in the world have adopted this approach and I want to advocate a new approach to politics and campaigns.
This is not a namby-pamby approach to life. Let’s open ourselves to the myriad of options available to us and hear the vast array of voices large and small, allowing the best views to advance, not the loudest, harshest and often least inspired.
What would it be like if Donald Trump said, “I know Hillary is a smart, hard-working, insightful person who is trying to break down gender barriers in our political system. She is up against a culture of sexism and I applaud her for her efforts. However, I fundamentally disagree with her on these issues ….” The age of negative attack ads must end. These messages set a terrible example for our children and to the world, ‘cause let’s face it everyone is watching.
Who will dare to step up and set an example for us, be a true leader instead of someone promoting business as usual? Who will have the courage to indict the efficacy of the old approach and embrace the idea that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once put forth: That people be judged “by the content of their character” and not by superficial characteristics. There appears to be no one ready to take this on, but what would it be like?
Joe Flueckiger
Amherst