The wise, omnipotent computer in HItchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, gave the answer to life, the universe, and everything as “42.” When the humans, confused by the answer, asked for more clarification, Deep Thought (the name of the computer) responded by saying the answer was confusing because they didn’t really know the question.
What is the real question, the better question for us to be asking now, in the wake of the election?
I know half the nation is asking “What went wrong?” and “How could this happen?” Fair questions, but the better question is:
What is leadership?
Both sides in our country seem convinced their candidate is/was the ideal example of great leadership, but they aren’t. Unfortunately, we have become a nation of agendas, parties and opposing sides doggedly determined to cancel out the other. That’s not leadership. Anyone can lead those with whom they agree. But deriving success from the ability to denigrate one’s opponents, cultivate divisions or instill deep rooted fear is not leadership.
Real leadership — the kind that ends civil wars, changes history for the good, and rebuilds nations after national tragedies, world wars and great depressions — Great leadership works with their opponents, recognizing they are not the enemy. Rather, they are the opportunity. Leaders build coalitions among rivals and seek a greater good for everyone they lead.
Real leadership builds trust and is measured by how you achieve great things while engaging, respecting and leading those with whom you disagree.
So ask that question: What is leadership? Then ask, how will you step up and be the leader you seek?
Here’s one way it can look in the real world.
And if that’s not enough, here’s a little 70’s cheesiness to remind us that United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
