Leadership key to Wyoming’s future
The difference between successful and unsuccessful organizations frequently lies in leadership. Resources are important, opportunities are important, but the quality of leadership is often the deciding factor between whether an entity thrives or struggles. There are few bigger organizations than a state, and whether Wyoming thrives or struggles likely depends on the quality of its
leadership.
Historically, our state has had very strong leadership. Our governors have tended to be problem-solvers and, while all have been members of a political party, those in the modern era have valued ideas and solutions more than partisan affiliation. Our legislature has also tended to have strong leadership, leading by example by bringing stakeholders together to gather information before making big decisions. We have sent multiple senators and representatives to Washington DC that have been a credit to our state and leaders on a national scale. Some have certainly been better than others, but our state has historically been blessed with strong leadership.
However, we are always just one election away from undoing the good work of those who came before us. We must always be looking to the future, and we need strong leaders, with clear and long-range visions, to ensure our state meets whatever challenges are likely to arise in our changing world.
It is important to remember that leadership is different than merely holding – or seeking – an office. There are many public officials who are not leaders. They are seat-warmers or opportunistic “ladder climbers” who are motivated more by external validation or a thirst for power than for improving our state. You can recognize them by their lack of principle and their unfailing parroting of what they believe the public wants to hear. Pandering is the hallmark of a lack of leadership. True leaders must speak the truth, even when it is unpopular.
Unfortunately, Wyoming has seen a lot of pandering lately. Promises of tax cuts without consequences are an obvious example, but any unprincipled position based on currying public favor fits the description. Secretary of State Gray’s crusade to call into question election security, despite no evidence of any actual insecurity or exposure, is a particularly ham-fisted example.
The problem with pandering is that it is so alluring. Its entire purpose is to appeal to the public, so our natural inclination is to believe it. However, a critical eye and ear can recognize it for what it is: just another attempt to manipulate us. Pandering is dangerous because it is a comfortable lie that blinds us to the real state of affairs, preventing us from making clear-headed decisions. It sacrifices the well-being of the group for the benefit of the panderer, preying on our preexisting beliefs.
In the political sphere, there are many self-serving politicians masquerading as leaders. We should all beware the candidate who cannot tell us what motivates them in seeking their office. Too many see an election as their chance to achieve their own measure of fame, glory, or influence, and that is an end in itself. I much prefer the politician who is motivated by a vision of what their state, county, or community can look like in the future. We need those who seek to build us up, not those who seek only to increase their own image.
Fortunately, we still have quality leaders in our state. There are many public servants, both in office and in professional positions, who dedicate their time to making our state better, even when the answers go against conventional wisdom. The mark of a leader is that they are inspired by service. It is counterintuitive, but genuine leadership requires the leader to diminish themselves in pursuit of the greater good. It requires humility, honesty, and the willingness to sacrifice ones own interests in favor of the interests of the community. That is not to say that it should not be bold, but it must be bold in pursuit of truth and the greater welfare, not individual interests.
When a true leader emerges, people take notice. Even though they are human, with human flaws, a leader’s true nature shines through. The easiest way to identify a leader is by their commitment to a cause greater than themselves. In government, this usually means building something that will last beyond their own time in office. Typically, leaders do not care who gets the credit, as long as the goal is accomplished. They are focused on the cause, not self-aggrandizing.
Over the next year, we will see many candidates for many important positions. It is a solemn responsibility for us as voters to try to find the leaders and discard the rest. Our votes matter, and whether we choose leaders or mere opportunists will matter a lot toward what our future looks like. Let’s hope we choose wisely.