Suggestions for distinguishing between a visionary leader and one incapable of recognizing reality

A  leader’s inability to recognize glaring and inescapable “truths” may be confused with having a “vision”.

In US History during our first 250 years, we have been fortunate in having a few visionary leaders. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt have their images carved on Mount Rushmore for a reason. Each made decisions during their presidency to improve the Union, attempting to make it “more perfect”.

Of course, none of these men were perfect, especially when judged by contemporary standards. It may be safe to say that perfection is an unachievable goal for all mortals. A good leader can, however, make course corrections, …something that poor leaders are incapable of doing. Perhaps frozen in their version of reality, or fear of having inadequacies exposed, they can’t change course.

Here is where democracy shows its genius. Over time every country is likely to acquire a leader incapable of recognizing reality. Or perhaps they recognize reality but can’t act. This may occur in democracies as well. Even in democracies poor decisions are made by the people’s democratic choices. But in the democracies, there is recourse when the next election cycle arrives. Democracies being a government “of the people, by the people, for the people” have a built-in safety feature occurring at the next election cycle.

How might one distinguish between visionary leaders and ones incapable of recognizing reality?

Examine character as chronicled by past behavior.

What is their attitude about self-wealth?

Have they ever shown concern for the welfare of others having less wealth and power?

Do they learn from mistakes and make course corrections?

Do they think of themselves as infallible?

Are they intolerant of opposing opinions?

Do they require continuous lavish praise from others ?

Just some thoughts from this science blog to ponder and apply if and where appropriate…