[October 19, 2016] One of the greatest military commanders in history, Napoléon Bonaparte, once said that a leader is a dealer in hope. Leaders everywhere strive to give their followers hope … even when that message has only the flimsiest chance of success but especially during times of great danger. Hope is the great motivator.
This is the key to understanding what we call the “American Dream.” That dream is a set of ideals that gives opportunities for prosperity and success; surpassing any other nation. It provides for an upward social and economic mobility for the family that is achieved through hard work, cooperation, and by fulfilling their social duties. As such, the American dream is a classic example of hope that is continually renewed by the nation’s political leaders.
“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” – George Washington Carver, American botanist and inventor
U.S. President Barack Obama ran his campaign for election (and re-election) under the slogan, “Hope and Change.” He further emphasized it in his most recent State of the Union address to the American public.1 At this address, he was doing what all good leaders do, he was providing a vision for the future and was giving hope in a time of turmoil (he spoke, for example, about the current divisive election currently underway). He was providing the nation with a vision that says the American Dream is still alive and well.
Regardless of one’s political views, there is no argument that Obama is a senior leader and he didn’t get there by not practicing some of the basic principles of leadership. From his original message of hope and change to his most recent sharing of his vision for American, Obama has regularly been a dealer in hope. “Talk of America’s economic decline is political hot air,”2 he said and it illustrates this point.
Whether as a coach, teacher, or mentor, a leader provides hope in a number of ways. A clear vision is the main vehicle to do just that. Leaders provide hope by giving respect and consideration to others, by supporting those in need, by giving encouragement, by being a good listener and communicator, and by showing their appreciation for a job well done. Leadership is about people and great leaders are skilled in understanding human needs and desires.
When we hear leaders giving us hope, we will follow them anywhere.
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- http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/hope-and-change-obama-sotu-2016/3142878.html
- Statement from his final State of the Union address given on January 12, 2016.