My close friends know that, while I may have unconventional points of view, I’ve genuinely tried to stay open-minded to diverse, informed perspectives. After all, on most so-called “controversial” positions, it’s the nuance that makes them so.
But on leadership, whether in people or in countries, I have a deep conviction.
We tend to admire leaders who are tough.
They don’t just face conflict, they prevail.
They can compel action.
They often become famous—or infamous—in history books.
And fame invites envy.
Too often, we treat leadership as a zero-sum contest: someone wins, someone loses, and the former seizes advantage.
But here is where my conviction comes in. If I had to pick…
• I’d prefer to be kind than tough.
• I’d prefer to be just than victorious.
• I’d prefer to inspire than compel.
• I’d prefer to be trusted than famous.
• I’d prefer to be admired than envied.
• I’d prefer to build than seize.
And I aspire to be surrounded by people who choose the same. And I hope for the same for our country’s model of leadership.
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