Oct 12, 2023 By Nick Jacobs 4 min read

Leadership is a topic that touches boundaries far beyond any particular industry, profession, or field of interest. This past year, I ended up spending about an hour each evening watching different attorney-oriented television series, like “Boston Legal” and “The Practice.” Interestingly, the thread that connected them seemed to be mostly negative examples relating to law, leadership, and humanity.

The storylines that tied them all together seemed to hinge on dysfunctional personalities, narcissism, macho-egotism, and mostly just ways around issues that often ended up being illegal, immoral, or, at their very least, ethically suspect. My reflections regarding these fictional narratives have led me to ponder the state of leadership in the real world and, more specifically, in the political environment of the United States, which seems to mirror the activities portrayed in these television narratives.

In a recent article from the Journal of Healthcare Management, Joshua Wymer, a professor at the University of San Diego, explores attributes of well-being and resilience, presence and posture, engagement and culture, and creativity and inspiration. According to him, these are the building blocks that positively support and play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing a leader’s capacity to influence teams, culture, and outcomes. In a world that often seems to prioritize questionable methods over ethical leadership, Wymer’s positive emphasis on leadership behaviors becomes increasingly relevant when attempting to facilitate change management.

Wymer contends, “Leadership behaviors are typically calculated and deliberate, but health care today demands a behavioral skill set to address challenges that arise with little or no warning.”

He also says, “Leaders must swiftly harness trust in themselves, their teams, and the organization to reach the finish line.” This need for adaptive leadership is in no way limited to the health care sector; it extends to every facet of society. Hence, my concerns about leadership and those who are setting examples at the state and national levels for our next generation of leaders.

The political culture in the United States is facing unprecedented challenges. Our political leaders are confronted with complex issues ranging from public health to economic instability. They are facing these challenges all while attempting to navigate a society that has been pushed further and further into extreme polarization by individuals, industries, and countries that benefit from these philosophical separations. My concern goes far beyond policy decisions. It is based more on concern over character and the integrity of those in positions of power. With the ongoing erosion of trust in our fundamental institutions, these leadership failures are being felt by the entire nation.

The only way that our democracy can thrive is for our leaders to prioritize the well-being of the nation and its citizens over themselves, to embrace a culture of engagement and inclusivity, and to inspire and support innovation to address the myriad challenges that lie ahead. Unfortunately, that type of leadership seems to be critically lacking.

Regardless of your political inclinations, as we approach another voting season, focus on electing people who are not committed to their agendas. Focus on politicians who are dedicated to the collective well-being of our country. We must begin to demand “Country over party.” We need role models for the next generation because their examples will have lasting implications for the trajectory of our nation.

Our concern about leadership should not be confined to the fictional stories portrayed on television, but to the very heart of our political realities. We must cultivate and elect leaders who prioritize ethics, inclusivity, and a total commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Then and only then can we hope to address the very real issues facing our country and steer towards a more collaborative and resilient tomorrow. Otherwise, we will live to witness the end of democracy brought on primarily by complacency, lack of involvement, and lack of understanding about the reality of the seriousness of our current situation.

Nick Jacobs is a Windber resident.