This isn’t a political blog, nor do I want this to be a political post. But I thought it might be a little fun to look at the two GOP front-runners and compare and contrast their leadership styles.
I had a friend the other day describe his boss as “Trumpish.” I kind of shook my head, amazed that a man’s surname morphed into a casino name, and then into a brand, then into a candidate and now an adjective. “What do you mean, ‘Trumpish’, I asked? He answered, “You know. Kind of a bully. Hell if he doesn’t like you. Heaven if he does. He’s right about a lot of stuff and ignorant about everything else. But somehow, gets the job done.” That was a lot to chew on. And I thought about what it would be like for a boss to have a “squirrel his head” (courtesy, Bobby Jindahl) who was definitely on charge, and was larger than life.
Bold, a little brash and definitely in charge
Trump definitely isn’t afraid of strongly, manly leadership. He’s probably never studied the servant-leader model. He’s likely never turned the other cheek. And he’s probably no fan of the Jesus example of leadership through suffering. However, I’m sure he likes the Jesus turning over the tables and calling the Pharisees whitewashed tombs. There’s been no shortage of leaders like this. They’ve build some of America’s largest dynasties and most successful companies. They’ve made billions for stockholders and created millions of jobs. Meanwhile, in their wake, are the bodies of the weak, the vanquished, and the crushed.
Politically, Trump seems to be attracting those who like his middle-finger verbal style of sticking it the media, to the establishment. He doesn’t give a rip. But as a believer, I flinch at the name calling, the phony claims of faith, and the insensitive nature of his remarks. I don’t see arrogance as a recipe for success. Others are fine with all of that.
Quiet, simple and leading by example
Ben Carson, who is the surprising second place leader in the GOP polls is almost an “anti-Trump,” (could this be another new adjective?) He describes himself like this. “I’ve realized where my success has come from, and I don’t in any way deny my faith in God. ‘By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life,’ and that’s a very big part of who I am.” An accomplished neurosurgeon who has zero political experience, he is an unlikely aspirant to the nation’s highest job. And yet he is attracting a big following for his simple, humble style.
He did start a little dust up this week when he questioned Trump’s own faith and ego. Trump, of course went after the quiet little doctor denouncing his charisma, and declared him an unelectable candidate. Carson could have defended himself. Instead he simply said, “I’m not going there. Everyone wants to come watch the fight, but it’s not going to be as great as they think, because I’m not going to participate.”
His humility trumped Trump.
Personally, I like Carson but cannot see him as the leader of the world’s strongest country. I would love for him to be my doctor, but not so much my president.
What kind of leadership works?
I’ve had both kinds of bosses. The leader who’s got some gravitas, a little bit of swagger and the confidence to make this happen. Along the way, he hurts some feelings but everyone knows where they stand. I’ve also had the kind, gentle leader, the one who made sure everyone was treated fairly, that every dispute was hashed out behind closed doors, and dignity was not just a buzz word, but a guiding principle.
Both of these managers claimed to be Christians. Both workplaces flourished. Leaving the politics behind, what’s the best kind of leadership? Strength through humility or power through boldness? Carson or Trump?
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