The Responsibility of Leadership: Being the Light
Capitol Officer Eugene Goodman confronting mob rioters
Capitol Officer Eugene Goodman led a mob of rioters away from the Senate Chamber entrance where Vice President Mike Pence and other lawmakers had been counting electoral votes. At that moment, those inside the Chamber were doing their best to secure the entrances to remain safe. Facing down a band of insurrectionists and in imminent danger, Goodman had the courage and presence of mind to steer them in the opposite direction of the Chamber. His sense of responsibility went beyond his physical safety to understanding that his actions could mean the difference between life and death for those in the Chamber. The symbolism of his surname should not be lost on us – Good-man. Yes, he is.
How does our responsibility define who we are?
Coach Bill Belichick
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an honor of distinction for societal contributions bestowed on individuals by the President of the United States. Coach Belichick of the New England Patriots recently refused to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden’s predecessor, based on the Capitol insurrection. In an NFL statement, Belichick said: Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation's values, freedom and democracy. I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions. Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award. Belichick, considering the perspectives of those close to him and people around the country, understood that his decision should not be based on his ego.
Who are we responsible to?
Lawmakers should represent the epitome of responsibility—to their constituents, to the nation, to the Constitution. More than a hundred GOP lawmakers relinquished that responsibility after the Capitol riot, opting to put political careerism above the integrity of our electoral process. We all value election security, but this circumstance begs the question of conscientious service to the American people they serve.
The Jazz Leadership Project’s principle of Shared Leadership regards each person as a leader in their own right. In jazz, each musician brings the best of their skills and talents to contribute to the success of the performance. With this shared understanding, each musician is responsible and accountable to their fellow band members. Making beautiful music together honors the strength and power of that responsibility.
Responsibility reveals the power of our agency – our ability to choose well and our desire to do good.
Being responsible is an act of love. It says that we care and that we value how our actions (or lack thereof) can impact others.
Being responsible is accepting accountability—looking beyond ourselves, as did Eugene Goodman and Coach Belichick.
Being responsible is embracing ownership, knowing that our futures are intertwined, and as such, are a co-creation.
National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gormon
Making history as the youngest Inaugural Poet, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman enthralled millions with her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” Her words were riveting, elegant, and strong, belying her twenty-two years. The following excerpt shines a light on the nature of our responsibility to each other and our nation:
We will not be turned around
or interrupted by intimidation
because we know our inaction and inertia
will be the inheritance of the next generation
Our blunders become their burdens
But one thing is certain:
If we merge mercy with might,
and might with right,
then love becomes our legacy
and change our children’s birthright
So let us leave behind a country
better than the one we were left with
Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest,
we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one
We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west,
we will rise from the windswept northeast
where our forefathers first realized revolution
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states,
we will rise from the sunbaked south
We will rebuild, reconcile and recover
and every known nook of our nation and
every corner called our country,
our people diverse and beautiful will emerge,
battered and beautiful
When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid
The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it
In his Inaugural address, President Biden spoke of unity and a renewed sense of purpose as the path forward. Such a unity can be framed by the depth of our responsibility to create a new story on that path. Let’s examine the arc of our responsibilities and ask if it embraces all that it should.
As citizens and leaders, Greg and I are raising our voices and creating a safe and brave space for dialogue about the current state of our democracy.
Join us and our colleague Amiel Handelsman on Thursday, January 28, from 1:30pm – 3:00pm EST for a free public conversation.
