In this year’s U.S. Presidential Election, you may choose to simply vote for your preferred party or on a particular issue that is super important to you. Or perhaps you decide purely based on personality, e.g., someone with whom you could have a beer. Yet every political position requires leadership qualities that likely mean the difference between success and failure.
According to Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway: “Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”
Clearly, you should consider these and other leadership qualities in voting for the President of the United States of America. Before you cast your vote, consider how each candidate measures up with the following leadership characteristics:
Integrity – Can you take them at their word? Do they demonstrate honesty, uphold ethical behavior and have consistent values? Or do they lie, mislead and demonstrate little if any sense of morality?
Intelligence – Do they demonstrate the mental capacity necessary to hold the job of Commander in Chief of the most powerful nation on the planet? Or do they lack a consistent track record demonstrating effective decision-making and execution?
Energy – Are they young and robust enough to have the stamina necessary to handle such a challenging position? Or do they deny what is inevitable as human beings age?
Visionary – Do they have and are they able to articulate a plan and capable of reaching this vision? Or do they have only a vague concept of a plan with no clear sense of how to achieve it?
Communication – Are they able to actively listen and engage in constructive discourse so the best ideas are brought forward? Or do they talk only about themselves that demonstrates confidence rather than competence?
Decisive – Can they make tough decisions after careful analysis, and act when they don’t have all the information in front of them? Or are they more divisive and act impulsively without regard for expert advice and counsel?
Emotionally Intelligent – Do they demonstrate empathy and seek to constructively engage with others to maintain positive relationships? Or do they view relationships as transactional and think only of themselves?
Accountable – Do they own up to their mistakes and take full responsibility? Or do they simply take credit for what goes well and point fingers when something does not?
Delegation – Can they effectively bring people along and ensure they are fully capable and empowered to carry out delegated tasks? Or do they use a command-and-control style that demands unquestioned fealty?
Inspirational – Do they inspire others in a way that motivates them to actively engage? Or do they demean and insult others by instilling fear?
We live in extraordinary times and the need for steady stewardship can’t be overstated. It’s vital that you vote to ensure your voice is heard. And when you decide who to vote for, be certain this person demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities such as those outlined above.