Recently, the 2012 GOP has been of a significant interest to me. Beth and I don’t have cable but I am constantly visiting news sites (CNN most often) to check out all the new info on the upcoming candidates for president. It has made me wonder almost constantly what kind of leader I want for President of The United States of America. There are good qualities in most of the candidates. Political propensity, policy, personality, and popularity are all factors that I’ve noticed play a large role in the process. I think I’ll call them The Five P’s of a President ;) Though all of these features certainly play a role in turning a candidate into the president they are not necessarily key in turning a candidate or a president in to a great leader. Unfortunately, based on results, that seems to be the common trend.
The greatest leader that has ever directly affected me was my mission president, J Nathan Hale. That man knows what he is doing (even when he is doing something he’s new to)! As a mission president he taught me several principles that I now find essential in becoming a great leader. First, a great leader has a vision of what those who are following are to become – an understanding of their potential. Second, a great leader is there to serve the followers constantly(Mark 43-35) – he knows he/she is there to help you bring about the goals that lead you to realizing the vision(Luke 22:27). He is a provider. Third, He has a set, detailed plan to bring about the goals – this includes a detailed evaluation of where the group currently sits. That great leader is then willing and able to personally oversee that vision constantly. Fourth, the leader sets the example and plays the prototype in every, single detail. (John 13:3-15 in reference to principles 3 and 4). Fifth, the greatest leader is kind and has sincere love, charity, and compassion toward ALL those he serves. Though he may not be well-liked among all those he leads/serves, perhaps not even the majority, he will be known and even respected by many for honoring principal qualities. I have identified these five virtues as The Five P’s of Precedent; recognizes Potential, Provides, Plans, sets a Prototype, exercises good Principal.
As I look at the GOP candidates for 2012 these are things I will be looking for now. I desire to point out that the five features I noted above are in strict accordance with anyone who desires a great president – regardless of religion. Does the president think America is great, will he meet America’s specific needs(economy, jobs, policies, foreign affairs), does he have a specific plan to do so(check out their websites…), will he lead by example and from the front, and what principles does he live/lead by? I suppose there is one other P that is essential in the finding us a great leader – we the People.
