In Pursuit of Leadership

With the elections just around the corner the word 'leadership' is being used more and more often. But what is leadership? What does it look like and what is its purpose? Probably in simple terms it could be said that leadership is directing or guiding a group of people. Typically the method of a leader, at least in a democratic setting is to provide guidance, direction and inspiration. And it's easier to do that if the governed have confidence in their leader. 

To me, in order to provide direction and inspiration there must first be a foundation of unity...solidarity among the governed. It may be that I'm taking a slanted, pessimistic view but I look at our country right now and I don't see unity. As examples, roughly half of the population want Trump elected, the other half want Biden. Maybe half of Americans take the Covid crisis seriously while the other half virtually ignore or deny it. Recent polls show that if a Covid vaccine were available, over a third of the population would not take it. A significant number of people are vocally if not actively supporting the 'racial justice cause' while others are waiting for it to pass. Here in the south gun ownership is almost a religion while in other parts of the country abolishing guns is a battle cry. Climate change is either real or it's a hoax, depending on what camp you're in. Where is the unity?

I don't see unity now, and looking at our history there never really has been. The Revolutionary War saw many Americans remain loyal to the British crown. The Civil War and Vietnam polarized the country, as did women's suffrage and prohibition. Racism in varying degrees directed against blacks, Asians, Irish, Poles, Italians, Jews and Hispanics has always been with us, though it seems to be less prevalent now than years ago.

So what is the purpose of leadership? Is it to try to eliminate divisive beliefs and values, or is it to somehow accommodate the divergent viewpoints? Washington couldn't do it. Neither could Jefferson or Lincoln. Trump certainly hasn't done it nor would Biden if elected. And yet somehow we survive and carry on, which means to me that there is a unifying something that holds us together, but damned if I know what it is.