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Joanne Grady Huskey
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Leaderless, Rudderless in a Sea of Confusion

5/23/2020

10 Comments

 
We are reeling in this nation from a lack of cohesive leadership.  In a time when we desperately need clear directions on how to live as a society, Americans are confused about whether to stay at home or venture out; whether to open their businesses or keep them closed; whether they should wear a mask or not; whether to get tested for Coronavirus or not.  Messages on these issues are convoluted by competing political agendas. We don’t know who to trust or where to get valid information. While we need our city, county, state, and national leaders to help us wade through this morass of illness and despair, trust in government has deeply eroded. We don’t know which of the competing messages to listen to. Our country is hopelessly divided,  growing increasingly polarized racially, economically, politically, and philosophically.  American values, we formerly held so dear, are blurred by anger, frustration, fear, and depression. In this vacuum, where we do not feel safe, we see a dangerous rise in anarchy. We are crying out for honest, clear, strong leadership. We look for heroes everywhere, who can lead us out of this crisis, leaders who will save us from impending doom. And if we cannot find them, we will set out, somewhat haphazardly, to right this ship ourselves, each of us in our own way.

Successful examples of cohesion have appeared in other nations, where exceptional leaders, an impressive number of whom are women, lead with clarity, compassion, and empathy for their citizens.  People in these nations trust their leaders and follow their guidance -- Taiwan, New Zealand, Norway, Finland, Germany, South Korea and even China have been united in a sincere concern for the whole of their nations; and citizens have shown a willingness to sacrifice for the common good. Today, this seems to be lacking in the very divided (United) States.

What kind of leadership do we crave? We long for integrity, honesty, clarity, wisdom and compassion. We seek leaders who connect with us on a human level, and who know how to collaborate with others to seek the best common solutions to the many societal issues we face. We seek leaders we can trust, who have our best interest at heart, and not that of competing political and economic interests. Without this leadership in America, we fail.

Additionally, in this globally connected society, we cannot proclaim, “America First.”  In light of the Covid 19 pandemic, we can already see that what happens in China, India, Kenya, Mexico, or the UK eventually affects us, too.  For years, the US has been a leader guiding international thought in almost every field.  We cannot step away from the table and refuse to collaborate in international organizations. The US is needed to help find solutions to global health, climate change, trade, research and development, nuclear non-proliferation, gender equity, business, constructive technology, or any number of global issues. We know, through experience, that what happens in Kabul will eventually have ripple effects here.The world needs the US to play a pivotal role in our societal evolution. We cannot do this as a divided, leaderless nation. We cannot contribute to this planet without our values intact. What will it take for the US people to unite and find leaders who embody the qualities we need-- humility, integrity, knowledge, and respect for all people. Right now, we are all in this crisis together. There is a human outcry to unite and help each other. If we do not do it now, when our people are dying, then when will we act like a “United” States?  

We still can do this, but, we all need to vote and elect leaders with integrity who can guide us forward. Request your ballot today and vote by mail. Vote as if your life depended on it! Because it does.
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10 Comments
Cynthia Cromwell
5/23/2020 06:58:10 pm

An inspiring message much needed in these challenging times! We are needed to right the ship!

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AnnieRoger Yeager
5/24/2020 05:24:07 am

Very inspiring message. Thanks for sharing!

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Bobbi Berglund
5/24/2020 08:41:24 am

Thank you so much for this thoughtful piece. Appreciate your perspective and ideas.
Bobbi

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jan eustis
5/24/2020 12:58:17 pm

Absolutely fabulous, Joanne. Right on target. Thank you for stating it so clearly.

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Analisa M Allen
5/24/2020 03:41:20 pm

Spot on Joanne. I agree this is a unique time for truly global coordination. I understand that the scientists have put politics aside and are sharing data. This is a hopeful sign. Along with the world's animals who are all rejoicing as they seem to be reclaiming 'their land'.

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Gary Schirmer
5/25/2020 08:46:10 am

Spot on Joanne!!

All we need are leaders who listen respectfully, respond intelligently with kindness and an open mind and have agendas that flex with the currents of world views. We cannot escape into national secularism whatever ones beliefs... our societies are too interlocked not to have a world view!!

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robin larkin
5/25/2020 09:14:04 am

Joanne -- thank you for your clear, thoughtful and heartfelt message. It gives me hope!

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Suzanne Low
5/26/2020 03:06:19 pm

Great insights, beautifully stated. We have had such leadership in the past and hope we can VOTE for it again!

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Pat Culbertson
5/26/2020 05:43:49 pm

Thank you Joanne for your inspiring perspective and clear insight. The message of voting by mail or just voting is most important for change and future hope!

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Elmer R Nicholls Jr.
5/26/2020 09:49:11 pm

Very well said. You make LHS Lancers proud. Most of us anyway, Unfortunately I’m sure Jarrod and Chris have different opinions. Hear tell Jarrod is creating the Republican platform for 2020.
We will be applying for our mail in ballot August 5th, the first day applications will be accepted. Marked on all our calendars weeks ago. Can’t get here soon enough. Meanwhile we’ll isolate and pray we avoid Covid19 and all the other malaise the current administration sends or allows to flow our way.

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    Joanne Grady Huskey is an author, speaker and coach. She is Co-Founder and Vice President of iLive2Lead Young Women's Leadership Summit, Co-Founder of Global Adjustments (India); and of the American International School of Chennai (India).

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