leadership deficit

The cover of the October 13, 2008, issue of TIME includes the headline, "The Leadership Deficit," as part of a series of story on the current economic crisis. The article focuses on the lack of credibility and trust members of Congress and the White House have with Americans. As the report, Michael Grunwald, put it, "Americans are always skeptical of politicians, but he financial meltdown has made it clear they no longer believe much of anything Washington's current batch of newscycle-obsessed, responsibility-dodging wold criers have to say" (p. 43). Harsh words. But it does seem that the vision those in Washington want the rest of the country to accept (e.g., "trust me, this will work") isn't selling very well.

Cheney et al.'s discussion of vision in Chapter 7 provides some insight into the cynical response Washington's recent bailouts have received. The authors of the text note that much attention is paid to those who formulate vision and missions statements and not enough attention is paid to those who are supposed to buy into those lofty words. Cheney et al. have four suggestions: personalize vision statements to local contexts, refer to those statements when introducing new program, express enthusiasm for the overall vision, and develop a personal theory or organizing mechanism for how the vision can be practically applied. From my perspective, vision is what's lacking in this entire debacle. There doesn't seem to be any overarching principle for the actions taken in Washington. And we do look to our leaders to take the steps necessary to develop and explain the economic vision for the country. In spite of the leadership alternatives discussed at the end of the chapter, we elect politicians because we expect them to lead. Right now, I agree with Grunwald that leadership is lacking.

~ Professor Cyborg