Illustration of Republican presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln speaking on stage at a debate … [+]
Having taught leadership and communications courses in Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MBA and MAS programs for 15 years, I have been through four presidential election cycles and the early preparations for a fifth presidential election cycle. My students and I have become keen observers and, interestingly, have identified nine leadership challenges that remain largely constant, no matter how the players and times change.
After all, it's not just the issues that matter, but how candidates communicate them. Here's a comprehensive overview of what to look for when candidates ask for your vote.
1. vision
The greatest leadership challenge in an election year is whether candidates can articulate a compelling vision for the nation's future. This is no different than any other time, it's just come to the forefront now.
2. communication
After vision, communication is the biggest leadership challenge, and while effective communication skills are essential for any leader, not just a presidential candidate, they are even more important in this arena.
3. policy
What is the overarching stance that supports that vision? This is where the vision becomes concrete and real.
Four. Trust and honesty
Trust in any leader is important, but trust is often fragile in the political arena, especially in elections where conversation can turn to attack. Candidates must demonstrate integrity, honesty, and transparency in their actions and communications. A candidate's background matters, but so do real-world vulnerabilities in an AI world.
Five. crisis management
The world today is a huge mass of intertwined crises, and the ability to navigate them effectively is a defining element of leadership.
6. Diplomacy
Presidential candidates must demonstrate their ability to engage with diverse audiences, both domestic and international, and negotiate complex issues with tact and wisdom, which will make for an interesting debate.
7. Inclusivity and Representation
Leaders in a diverse society must be committed to inclusivity and representation, and voters will scrutinize candidates’ track records on issues like racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration, as well as how well candidates represent these issues.
8. Judgment and decision making
Sound judgment and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure are fundamental aspects of effective leadership, but they can't be debated — they can only be demonstrated. So focus on what candidates will do and have done, not what they say.
9. Cooperation and Bipartisanship
With political polarization at the worst level anyone has ever known, it's easy to give up and accept that things will continue as they are. Middle ground is hard to find, but we've seen it before. We just have to look harder. Communicating this may be the most difficult challenge of the year.
