November 1, 2003 Politics: Genuine or Entertainment

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?