Politics and leadership seem like an oxymoron these days. I know the dangers of writing anything that seems political in nature but the recent discussions about the state of our nation’s economy and how to deal with it offers an irresistible leadership lesson. So I’m diving into the muck and hoping to make a few salient points along the way.
The current debate over the need for a stimulus package to fix our ailing economy seems more like a school yard brawl or the reaction of a petulant child when he or she doesn’t get what is expected. Both sides of the political aisle are busy staking out their positions, defending their turf with a variety of arguments, and rushing to outdo each other in their expressions of concern over the nation’s future. The size and scope of the package has grown well beyond anything we have ever seen and no one is quite sure that it will make any real difference, although that is rarely acknowledged inside the Beltway.
What is missing from the process is any sign of inspirational leadership. Where is the courageous voice of reason inviting creative solutions from the private sector? Who is authentically expressing what most Americans already know – there needs to be some real pain in order to correct the current broken system? As you observe elected officials in action, who is exhibiting a servant spirit and attitude (in other words who would you wish to follow)? When will someone actually tell us the truth – about what is buried in the legislation, about why we have decided that businesses can no longer fail when they make bad decisions, about the inflation that is sure to come if we keep printing money – truth that we need to hear? Who is speaking the language of love, calling on the essential goodness and dreams of the people who make this nation work, inviting them to help correct the problem? Where is there any evidence that government can effectively and efficiently create any jobs that will add value to our economic system?
The stimulus bills that have been created are filled with “pork”, a euphemism for spending that pays back campaign supporters, buys future votes, and most importantly solidifies control and power. There are many more harsh and offensive words to describe this behavior that don’t belong in a “G-rated” blog posting. This practice of rewarding a few select groups (or in the case of the current bill lots of them at once) is now so prevalent that excuses aren’t even necessary to justify the action. As long as the leaders in power get what they want the “pork” becomes just another investment without any consequences. This pattern of “dressing up the pig” and pretending it’s not a pig is laughable.
Those leaders I know and work with see the pork for what it is, a pig. No amount of makeup or fancy clothes can hide the truth. Perhaps we have learned this lesson because in our organizations we soon discover that our pet projects look like “dressed up pigs” to employees, vendors, and customers. They tend to hold us accountable for reckless behavior and soon dash our dreams of winning beauty contests with our “sophisticated swine.” In the end we discover that no matter how we outfit the pork, it’s still a pig.
I have tried valiantly to reach my Representatives and Senators to voice my opposition to the current legislation. Their voice mailboxes and email bins are filled, hopefully with other voices of reason shouting, “That dressed up pork is still a pig!” It’s doubtful that my opinion will change what is happening in Washington, but this fiasco has reminded me to humbly consider how my own actions may be viewed by colleagues and clients. When I’m tempted to seek personal gain in the interest of some greater good remind me that I’m just dressing up a pig. Is anyone else hungry for a hot dog?
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