Styles of Leadership -- Humility or Hubris

Diana Butler Bass contrasts Martin Luther King and George W. Bush on leadership. Which is a leadership style full of humility and which is one full of hubris. G.W. has declared himself to be "the decider" and has basically said, he doesn't care what the nation thinks -- Republican or Democrat -- he's going to finish his war, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.

Consider then these comments, and think about why so many of us seem to be attracted to Barack Obama:

As it is becoming increasingly clear, President Bush is the opposite of the humble leader. He has morphed into a hubris leader – apparently lacking self-awareness (does he really believe he made mistakes?), dividing people and even driving away former friends, and reacting to situations instead of leading proactively. The most telling contrast between the humble leader and the hubris leader is, however, the contrast of personal sacrifice. Martin Luther King was willing to sacrifice himself to enact peace; George Bush is willing to sacrifice other people's children to secure his place in history.

Bush's leadership is not about God's dream for justice; it is not even about the American people. It appears to be about saving his presidency and creating his legacy. Even with all the criticism and defeats, he seems doggedly committed to his vision for the world. What of the rest of us? What of God's dream of shalom? And who has the humility to lead America in this painful and dangerous time?

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