When things are going well, you don’t need great leaders.
Maybe a leader from a previous generation set things in motion. Things can continue along the well-worn and known paths. You just need to honor your traditions and avoid overthinking things too much! No big deal.
Problems arise when big changes happen quickly.
Suddenly, there comes a time when great leaders are needed.
Good leaders try to create a new generation of leaders. During tumultuous times, this happens naturally. During peaceful times, it may not be so easy for students to learn what it really means to be a good leader.
The old leaders are making noise. Elizabeth Warren is fighting for the middle class in America. Bernie Sanders is sounding the alarm. Robert Reich is leading Inequality Media. l applaud their efforts.
But who is picking up the torch and emerging as a new force to be reckoned with? Where are the promising young leaders today? Who is prepared to stand up to injustice? Who is going to fight for the future of democracy?
I can think of a few people. Greta Thunberg comes to mind. She knows that we must act together to mitigate human-caused climate change. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is doing her part. I admire the many judges who believe in democracy and value the Constitution of the United States of America.
And yet, I’m not satisfied. I feel like we need more young leaders to emerge.
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