Anonymous writes:
Who are tomorrow’s leaders?
We are told many times and by every facet of society that children are our most important asset for the future. But do we really understand what it requires of us as parents, teachers and so-called leaders?
Looking around like this, I have to say no.
Today’s “leaders” are popular; if they laugh, everyone laughs together, if they say something, everyone agrees – they do and say what their followers want to hear and see. As long as a so-called leader rubs honey around our mouths, we support them. People without backbone who only do something for their own benefit and screw the rest.
Unfortunately, those who act with integrity and sincerity are not noticed. The condition has already seeped into all layers of society, into our homes and schools.
Being a real leader and trying to be popular doesn’t work. It requires difficult decisions, sometimes unpopular decisions that benefit society, decisions that do not make everyone happy, especially those in positions of power.
How did we get to this point?
White-footed search is a reality.
Children look for white feet from the teachers, teachers look for white feet from the governing body and parents look for white feet on behalf of their children… and it works.
Many children learn in their parents’ home that white-footed searching helps you get what you want. In the school, the trend is continued. Sometimes it is only those who are noticed. The quiet, humble child with integrity is not noticed. They are simply not popular enough.
Children must be taught that popularity does not make a person a true leader, but strong character does. Someone who is willing to stand up for what he knows is right and accept responsibility for his decisions – even if he gets into trouble.
Children see that populism is rewarded. To do what people like rather than to do what is right, to do well so that people notice you and thereby enjoy prestige. Society is so superficial that it is all that is noticed. Good deeds must be shared with the world, otherwise they mean nothing.
So how do we get out of this vicious cycle of cultivating, electing and following incompetent, dishonest leaders?
Start by choosing the leaders correctly.
A leader must be able to communicate intelligibly. This means not talking a lot, but he can make others understand what he intends. It can be developed.
Leaders listen.
Leaders accept responsibility for their and their team’s decisions.
Leaders make decisions, even the unpopular ones.
Leaders are always willing to be honest, even if it brings them into disfavor.
Leaders have integrity. They know that a strong character is more important than any performance.
Leaders live up to their values and norms, regardless of the consequences.
Leaders act as they know is right, not as others want them to. They do not fall into the same group as those who do not think for themselves and just do as they are told.
Do not forget about those who have not been noticed, they must also be developed – there may be a next president among them.
