What follows in response to a report that was in the news last week.
According to the journalist who wrote the article, and who was provided a written copy of the speech by officials close to the leader, a major international governmental leader gave a speech about an issue facing their Country. In the relatively short speech, the leader used the words, “I,” “me,” or “my” over 195 times.
Really?
What ever happened to “we,” or “us,” or even “them?” What happened to teamwork, humility, or enlisting the support of the people (“we”)? What about mission-first leadership whereby leaders express and believe that their position exists in order to serve on behalf of – and in the best interests of - those they lead, rather than making bold self-depicted representations about how they are themselves the answer to the issue at hand?
When did communication strategy, leading people, and governing the affairs of a Country shift to an “All about me” style of leadership in our world?
This topic has led me to some serious personal reflections about my own leadership style - and to a deepening commitment to put the mission in first place - ahead of my own interests.
What do you think…should we be surprised? What can we learn from this about our own leadership style? What are your thoughts?
Just wondering...