Like most Americans, I had never heard of Ferguson, Missouri... until last week. Sadly, this mid-west community is now trending in social media due to a confrontation between local Police Officer, Darren Wilson, and eighteen-year-old, Michael Brown that tragically left the teenager dead.
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| Capt. Ron Johnson |
Where leadership is vacant... chaos thrives.
Eventually, a new face, Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, was assigned to lead security oversight for the citizens, businesses and community protests in Ferguson. And it was during his introductory address in that hotbed of crisis where I identified seven leadership keys that Johnson displayed that had been grossly lacking.
1. Focus on the hurting.
Immediately after taking the mic, Johnson asked the locals that were attending the press conference if they could hear him on the microphone. When the people said, "No", he then proceeded to leave the platform and move into the crowd - leaving the national media scrambling to catch their sound byte without a mic. Johnson said that his greater concern was for the citizens of Ferguson because they were the ones that needed to hear his voice - they were the ones who were hurting.
LEADERS will overlook the opportunity of name recognition, publicity and personal status to focused on the hurting people they are assigned to lead. 'Concern for people' trumps 'popularity' in the hearts of a leader every time.
LEADERS will overlook the opportunity of name recognition, publicity and personal status to focused on the hurting people they are assigned to lead. 'Concern for people' trumps 'popularity' in the hearts of a leader every time.
2. Connect with the people.
The evening before his public introduction and assignment, Capt. Johnson walked among the thousands of civil and violent protesters - while dressed in full uniform. Please remember that the police had been considered the 'enemy' among the crowd. Yet, Johnson took the risk to personally engage with the scared, hurting and angry people, look them in the face and assure them that answers were on the way.
LEADERS are among the people they are leading. Concern and understanding cannot be fully communicated from behind a desk or on a platform. Leaders must always remain as 'one of the crowd', while connecting, listening and caring for those they are privileged to lead, protect and serve.
3. Choose honesty over politics.
I listened as Capt. Johnson carefully chose his words in regards to how he felt the Ferguson Police Department had handled the shooting and aftermath. In essence, He stated that some things should have been handled differently by local law enforcement, but he was assured that the necessary oversight was now in place and that answers would soon follow.
LEADERS know that honesty and integrity are character issues that are foundational to lasting influence. Even in opposition, honesty is always identifiable and respected. Sadly, leadership and politics are no longer equatable. Charisma and accomplishment may sway the crowd for a moment, but when leaders choose to 'people-pleasing' and 'reputation' over honesty and truth - their end is near.
LEADERS know that honesty and integrity are character issues that are foundational to lasting influence. Even in opposition, honesty is always identifiable and respected. Sadly, leadership and politics are no longer equatable. Charisma and accomplishment may sway the crowd for a moment, but when leaders choose to 'people-pleasing' and 'reputation' over honesty and truth - their end is near.
4. Admit your weakness.
During his introduction speech, Johnson spoke of a conversation he had with his daughter. After walking with the protesters, she asked him if he was afraid. He admitted that he was. Then he admitted to the entire crowd that 'we all are afraid'.
LEADERS admit their humanity. Some say that confessing weakness will hurt a leaders influence. But there is a difference in 'owning weakness' and 'making weakness an excuse'. For a leader, admitting the presence of an obstacle makes him/her human; but moving forward despite the obstacle makes him/her a leader. The greatest quality leaders can portray is not the absence or denial of a challenge, but the refusal to be limited or owned by it. Leaders admit being human and keep walking. Weakness makes you human; refusal to quit make you a leader.
5. Speak-out against wrong.
LEADERS admit their humanity. Some say that confessing weakness will hurt a leaders influence. But there is a difference in 'owning weakness' and 'making weakness an excuse'. For a leader, admitting the presence of an obstacle makes him/her human; but moving forward despite the obstacle makes him/her a leader. The greatest quality leaders can portray is not the absence or denial of a challenge, but the refusal to be limited or owned by it. Leaders admit being human and keep walking. Weakness makes you human; refusal to quit make you a leader.
5. Speak-out against wrong.
The day he was introduced to the nation, Capt. Johnson stepped to the platform and called an end to the chaos in Ferguson. He made no excuse for it. He explained that rioting in the streets was only hurting the people of Ferguson and he appealed to the citizens to stop the destruction of their community, businesses and themselves.
LEADERS have the strength to speak-out against evil - using their voices to oppose chaos. Leaders see the long-term impact of today's actions, cast vision for tomorrow and then give hurting people 'permission' to stop destroying their own lives. Very often, leaders are the only ones left standing between life and death. Leaders are bride builders... but sometimes they must also build barriers so they can redirect people to a new bridge... people.
LEADERS have the strength to speak-out against evil - using their voices to oppose chaos. Leaders see the long-term impact of today's actions, cast vision for tomorrow and then give hurting people 'permission' to stop destroying their own lives. Very often, leaders are the only ones left standing between life and death. Leaders are bride builders... but sometimes they must also build barriers so they can redirect people to a new bridge... people.
6. Keep smiling in tough times.
Capt. Johnson was brought on the scene in an emotionally charged and volatile time. Yet, during his address to the media and those in attendance, Johnson found a way to appropriately interject a smile and a moment of humor. As the crowd responded with their own smiles, peace and hope both made a needed appearance.
LEADERS understand the importance of resetting the atmosphere with a smile. Tough scenarios are inevitable. Difficult conversations and meetings must be had. But leaders know that even challenging situations can benefit from a properly-timed, kind facial gesture. When used with appropriately, a leaders smile can add a sense of warmth, hope and concern for all involved.
7. Use the Bible to give hope.
As Capt. Johnson spoke candidly about the conversation he had with his daughter, he concluded by reflecting on the bible story of Peter walking on the water with Jesus. He used the familiar story to encourage every listener how, in the same way Jesus picked Peter up out of his sinking situation, He is going to pick us up out of this situation and carry us out, too.
LEADERS recognize the responsibility of giving hope to those they lead, especially in times of crisis. Identifying and speaking to the spiritual aspect of humanity creates deep impact. And the bible is that book that anchors people's hearts so they can see through the chaos and believe for a better tomorrow. Unexpected and unwanted seasons occur in everyone's life, but leaders lead the strongest when they discover the power of giving hope and expectation for a better future.
Only time will tell as to how things will play-out... because leadership only works when others are willing to follow. But hopefully, Capt. Johnson and the other officials will be able to restore a lasting peace, direction and order in Ferguson, Missouri.
*Please join me in extending heartfelt concern and prayers to Michael Brown's family and friends, Officer Darren Wilson and the community of Ferguson, Missouri.