Leadership: visionary leaders versus those incapable of recognizing reality

I have included this in a collection of essays for science students because, in my experience, science students like to ponder questions about reality.

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

During the first 250 years of US history, there have been truly visionary leaders. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt have images carved on Mount Rushmore for a reason. Each made decisions during their leadership to improve this nation.

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 mortals. A good leader can, however, make course corrections; this is something poor leaders are incapable of. Perhaps frozen in their version of reality, or frozen by deep fears of exposed inadequacies, 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 these poor leaders recognize reality but for reasons previously mentioned, find themselves unable to act. This may occur in democracies as well as autocracies. Even in democracies, poor decisions are sometimes made through the democratic process. But in democracies, there is recourse … when the next election cycle arrives. For governments “of the people, …” there is a built-in safety feature: at the next election cycle. In a true democracy, the people have the protected right to have their collective opinions heard, recorded, and acted upon.

How might one distinguish between visionary leaders and those incapable of recognizing reality? This might not always be easy.

For a start, perhaps examine character as documented by past behavior.

What is their attitude about self-wealth and financial aggrandizement?

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

Do they learn from mistakes, making course corrections?

Do they believe themselves to be infallible?

Are they intolerant of opposing opinions?

Do they require continuous praise?