I invite you to be part of this stream of consciousness inquiry about leadership, politics and religion.
March, 2015 I was in the final editing stages of my book From Type A to Type T: How To Be A Transformational Leader in A Bottom-Line World.
Donald Trump and Pope Francis
People would ask, “What’s a Type A leader and what’s a Type T leader?” And my quick response, kind of a short-hand version, was: “Donald Trump would be a classic Type A leader and Pope Francis would be a Type T leader.” And people understood.
Fast forward to 2017 and the distinction between the two is readily apparent and both are making headlines for their leadership styles.
I interrupt this blog for an important announcement:
NOTE: This blog is intended to be about our choices of how we lead and how we communicate, not to express political or religious beliefs. I was raised Catholic and while I’m not a practicing Catholic, I have fond memories of my convent school training and it’s very much a part of who I am today. And I am a former Republican. I was raised in and followed the party of Lincoln in the 20th century and many of the traditional beliefs are part of who I am today, as well.
With that out of the way, before I proceed, I ask you: Who of you has not changed, questioned or challenged your religious or political positions or beliefs in the past 10, 20, 30, or 40 + years?
Are You Curious?
I would suggest that continuous learning, curiosity and exploration are important elements in informed decision making, even if you choose not to change your beliefs. The exercises of inquiry, not making assumptions and not accepting the way it’s always been – just because – are important to having safe neighborhoods, healthy, civil discourse and a happy life!
Personally, I think the rationale of ” because that ‘s how I was raised, ” is lame and lazy. Do your own thinking for heaven’s sake. And if it still resonates, great! But if not, have the courage to investigate and make a choice that resonates with who you are today. I remember my mother, a the age of 75, being very proud of herself for making an informed decision about her election choices, not relying on “tradition” or how she was raised.
Now – back to the Type A and Type T leaders….(as noted in my book)
A Type A leader is characterized by being a traditional “command and control” leader, “my way or the hiway,” ego-centric leader. Typically, a Type A leader is more concerned about the bottom line and short-term results, looking good, status and winning at all costs. Frequently there is a lot of blame and deflection.
Conversely, a Type T leader is strategic, inclusive, accountable, a long-term thinker and collaborative. This type of leader is looking out for the good-of-the-whole, empowering and wants to make a difference for communities and society.
Headlines and Hope
Our news headlines are dominated by building walls, keeping people out, deporting others, fake news and various groups who are enemies of the people. Personally, I want to wake up, just one morning, and not be horrified by or fearful of the headline or tweet of the day. Whether it’s main stream media or alternative news, it’s depressing, fearful and repressive.
On a happy note, I read of Pope Francis’ position on the homeless and on Muslim Syrian refugees he brought back to Vatican City.
Reading these articles gave me hope and inspiration. In fact, I have made a commitment to how I will support the homeless in the future, because of his words of wisdom . ( I will keep you posted on this…)
Either way, you may or may not agree with Donald Trump or Pope Francis.
I ask you, what kind of world do you want to live in?
Seriously.
I ask you to write down the kind of world that you want to live in and is it aligned with who you are today. Are your thoughts, words and actions aligned with the world you want now and for future generations?
We have the opportunity and privilege of living in a democracy where our voices can be heard.
Speak up!
Regardless of your beliefs, SPEAK UP!
Marty Stanley, CSP, is a national speaker and consultant on personal and organizational change. If you’re looking to clearly define and align your personal and/or organizational leadership practices , give Marty a call today: 816-695-5453 or 858-432-6764. martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com
For more information on being a Type T leader, watch this 1 minute video.
Or order the book on How to Be a Transformational Leader in a Bottom-Line World.
