by Jim Crews, Stevensville
Leader – that means many things, most of which do not apply in politics. We as citizens, do not elect leaders of our towns, cities, counties or states. We elect representatives. People who represent the constituent and carry out the wishes of the people.
Leaders are those people naturally selected, that others follow or they are trained and developed, instilled with the skills and knowledge of leadership. Good Leaders guide and direct other people, they gain the respect and loyalty of those that follow them, they demonstrate their leadership skills in such a manner as to earn and command the respect of their followers.
All leaders are tested at one time or the other. True leaders will have long successful careers. Those that fail, fall by the wayside and are soon forgotten with the exception of misdeeds or cowardice.
Those politicians that espouse their ability to lead, when they have done nothing in their lives but go to school, those who have not paid their dues and earned the respect of those that eventually follow successful leaders are not even in the same league and a real leader.
Every Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, Coast Guardsman, Merchant Marine Sailor, Policeman, Sheriff’s Deputy, and others in a pseudo military unit all receive some form of leadership training. All at one time or another will be tested in minor leadership positions and advanced as their ability to lead improves.
Only those that have not been tested have not learned that you do not brag about or embellish your abilities to lead or make brash statements such as one that I recently read in the Bitterroot Star made by one of the council candidates.
“My background has taught me how to be a leader.”
Really? I know I certainly have limitations and even during the short period of time I was the appointed Mayor. I found out something every day about leadership. I am 65 years old and I am still learning my limitations.
I have to wonder how someone who has just gone to school can say that their background has taught them how to be a leader?
If any of you figure that out, let me know. I need to go to that school. Leadership in three of my professions, all of which I was fairly successful was mandatory. All required me to get my butt kicked by those I was supposed to be leading several times before I got it right. And then I still had to go to more training and take instruction from senior personnel and in some cases complete a form of apprenticeship so that I could develop the background and earn the respect of my peers in order for me to lead.
I am not electing someone to lead me, or the town. I am electing people that are supposed to follow the established instructions, procedures, guidelines, policies, resolutions, ordinances, statutes and our Constitutions in order to conduct the business of the town.
The town leaders are those businessmen and women who develop commerce in town, hire employees and help build the community.
All the Town Government is required to do is to follow the established rules to see that it gets done properly and legally.
Please however, never, ever forget that the people of this town are the 4th part of the government and we have just as much to say, and just as much power over what goes on as the Mayor, Council and Judge. That is something that the current council and mayor do not understand.
So, when someone tells you they are a leader, or their background has taught them how to lead. I have to ask just exactly what is included in that background. Because I know a few leaders around here and they did not learn to be a leader from just going to school.
They earned that title.