The Politics of Leadership
Like so many of us I am horrified by the devastation that plagues Haiti as a result of the earthquake on January 12, 2010. The images of the collapsed buildings and the bodies buried beneath the rubble are agonizing to see, but it is the faces of the men, women and children who survived the earthquake that haunt me the most. Although they are fortunate to have escaped with their lives, they are experiencing what can best be described as a living hell; and perhaps it is a life that only survivors of Hurricane Katrina, the Asian Tsunami, and other catastrophes can relate.
I am proud that the United States, and the Obama administration in particular, has demonstrated swift leadership for the people of Haiti. I am more proud that countries across the world have put their differences aside to come together to work toward a common good. Although rescue attempts and the provision of life’s necessities never seem to come soon enough, nor in adequate supply, it is clear to me that we have taken the lessons of Katrina seriously and responded to Haiti in a way that far surpasses our handling of previous natural disasters.
I have written academic articles, essays and now a book on crises, Leading Under Pressure, with a particular emphasis on the leadership needed to maneuver through crisis events. In my writing I argue that although crises are traumatic events, they can also be the impetus for positive change. But while I tend to focus on crises in a corporation or an industry the tasks that leaders are charged with during critical times to not only lead through crisis, but realize an opportunity for positive impact in the aftermath can cross over. Clearly it is hard to look into the face of a mother who has lost her five children in the earthquake, or a child who is now without a parent, and imagine that there is opportunity amidst such devastation. For now, there is grief, anger, and despair, and the weight of those emotions amidst devastation must be realized fully before one can fathom the possibilities for a stronger infrastructure or a new beginning. I am confident, though, that in due time, and with the continued help of developed nations, Haiti will be resurrected stronger and better than before.
I am less confident, however, that the political banter that has so divided this country will subside even for a moment as the world comes together to Haiti’s aid. I am appalled by Rush Limbaugh’s accusations that the Obama administration will intentionally use the Haitian crisis as an “opportunity” to bolster its political credibility. To suggest that Obama’s quick response to the people of Haiti was an attempt to take advantage of the Haitian crisis for political gain says more about the accuser than the accused. And the fact that the Sunday morning news shows allocated even an iota of time to discussing the bi-partisan politics of the crisis rather use their incredibly powerful platform to enhance support for the relief effort is a shame.
Yes, I believe that one day we will see a better and more economically sound Haiti. I also believe that the world will learn from the handling of this crisis and be better prepared for future natural disasters. These are the potential opportunities to be reaped from the earthquake. And yes, the many people who helped in the relief effort will likely gain personally and professionally from their acts of bravery and their leadership in handling a crisis. I also believe, however, that those leaders will have led from a noble place, and in so doing will have served to improve the lives of the many afflicted with this tragedy―a people who have historically endured great hardship. For those who choose to denigrate or think ill of those acts of leadership I ask, “who are you serving?”