Not Everything That Glitters Is Gold: A global leadership crisis

We are currently in a world where we have arrived at, if not passed, the lowest standards of moral #responsibility, #integrity, and #accountability. A new definition of truth reigns in politics, healthcare, journalism, and corporate management, where individuals in leadership stare you in the eye and tell the most bizarre lies as the most convincing truth. And while it is evident that what is being told is false, the integer and noble individual is left exasperated, being forced to question his/her moral standing. Unfortunately, this growing phenomenon is the product of human beings' insatiable lust for #power and the total loss of respect, compassion, and kindness for each other.

Power, they say, is the root of all evil. Power today, in its various forms, is being used, abused, and misused by many individuals to hang on to (their) positions of leadership and to widen and strengthen their influence over the communities they serve. These so-called leaders surround themselves with weaklings who lack the courage to question authority and, out of self-preservation, will willingly campaign and champion the cause of tyrants. To gain the favor of such leaders, these weaklings are prepared to “sell their souls to the devil,” even at the expense of their loved ones. However, those who dare to speak up and question the status quo are (permanently) silenced, humiliated, ghosted, or simply kicked out of their organizations. They are considered misfits and individuals whose contributions must align with the organization's vision and mission. It is either “my way or the highway.”

Looking at current worldly events closely, there is an undeniably apocalyptic accumulation of tragedies because of leaders' quest for power and influence. Misinformation, manipulation, and outright violence are tools that some leaders use to hang on to power if nothing else works; even with the information they disseminate through the news channels. For example, it has become impossible for the average person to discern the truth in what is disseminated on social media and what they hear or see on mainstream news channels. It is also challenging to uphold the truth if leaders in politics, healthcare, (higher) education, and corporate management continue to misinform their followers just to hang on to power. In such a case, how can we trust the people expected to lead us when they do not demonstrate the integrity worthy of leaders?

A Need for Transformational Leadership

Unlike the qualities of effective and influential leaders, poor leadership compromises the well-being and morale of dedicated followers. It creates unsafe climates that are detrimental to professional and personal health. Not only that, but it fosters an atmosphere of mistrust and discontent among the workforce, eroding the foundations of collaborative and supportive communities and work environments. Hence, there is a dire need for transformational leadership.

Contrary to what we are made to believe in social media posts and other news outlets, the ongoing global leadership crisis reflects an uncontrollable quest for power and the blatant hypocrisy of leaders in politics and other domains. Hence, we must be wary of the information we are being fed because not all that glitters is Gold!

My final thoughts would be for everyone with a spark of humanity to stand up in solidarity and push for change where #injustice and #oppression exist. There is no room for silence anymore; otherwise, we are accomplices to the injustice of poor leadership in our organizations and the world.