November 1, 2003
Politics: Genuine or Entertainment |
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Is
it just me, or does it seem like the distinction between politics
and entertainment is becoming more and more blurred?
Have
you recently flipped through the television channels in the evenings
and observed what is playing, especially on the cable news channels.
Same show- different cast. What you will most likely see is
one politico (incumbent or candidate) going toe to toe with a ravenous
host and, many times, an opponent from the other party to boot.
The issue on the table can be varied, but the behavior is
the same. The "professional" statesmen and stateswomen
shout and yell at each other, ignore, disregard and interrupt each
other, and argue and talk over one another. And the host,
who is frequently strongly opposed to the "guest star"
in the hot seat, continues to stir the pot with a series of self-righteous
remarks and pointed accusations. If stinging barbs and piercing
expressions were tables and chairs, you might think you were watching
an episode of Springer, or pay-per-view wrestling!
Whatever
happened to civility in political debates?
It's
obvious that civility is not important here, because after all,
this is television - it's entertainment. Making the opponent
appear stupid and lose face is the plot of the show. The more
controversy, the better, because more people will hear about it,
and hopefully tune in to future shows. More viewers - higher
ratings - larger revenues. That is the way television works.
These
televised "free-for-alls" involving people who are holding
responsible leadership positions in our nation are a bit distressing.
What do you suppose people from other countries must think
about our leadership, should they happen to run across one of these
programs? And what message about leadership does it send to
viewers who may forget that they are only watching a television
program? What if they actually start to believe this is the way
that leaders act? Well, let's see-leadership must mean being
obnoxious. Leaders prove their points by out-yelling everyone
else. Ignoring or attempting to publicly humiliate is the
strategy to success.
Is
it any wonder why many of us are losing interest in politics?
Shouldn't we have higher expectations of the intelligent people
we have elected to important offices?
I
genuinely hope that people are able to recognize that these outlandish
behaviors might be part of the show, but they are clearly not those
of effective leadership. Would you want the President or important
cabinet members behaving this way, in closed-door sessions with
leaders from other countries, when an issue of great consequence
is on the table? These behaviors may make for lively entertainment,
but they certainly do not build the collaboration and support needed
to solve some of the big problems confronting us today.
As
a leader, you must always pay attention to your own leadership.
Do others believe you are playing to the camera or working
for their best interests? Would they say you demonstrate civility
and manners, or that you are dismissive or offensive? Do they
support you because they have to, or because they want to?
Remember
that leading others is much different than entertaining others,
and that treating people with dignity and respect is a basic requirement
of effective leadership. It might not matter in sitcoms or
TV politics, but it certainly does in the workplace and every other
place where you are attempting to lead.
Reflection
Questions :
What
words do others use to describe your behaviors in your role as a
leader?
How do you treat those with whom your
opinions differ dramatically?
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