“Trickle-down leadership” has the power to change a culture; be sure you are modeling what you want others to master. ~ LMB
I know many people are struggling right now following the outcome of our presidential election. I, for one, feel tremendous heaviness on a soul level. In times like these, effective leadership becomes even more crucial. I believe in “trickle-down leadership” more than the efficacy of “trickle-down economics.” The trickle-down economics theory states that “tax breaks and benefits for corporations and the wealthy will trickle down to everyone else.” This theory, however, failed to produce the results so many of its proponents professed it to have.
“Trickle-down leadership,” on the other hand, plays out daily on every level of our society—from parenting to businesses to governments. On the national or world level, world leaders model the values, integrity, and “rules of engagement” that those they lead are expected to adopt, implement, and follow. Over time, their leadership defines, creates, and solidifies a “new” culture, thereby systematically defining the “box” in which the citizens of their country will swim.
As such, I am pained to see our country vote for a return to a painful and antiquated leadership style rooted in strong-arming, lack of accountability, and threats. The long-term trickle-down effect of a nation watching, learning from, and incorporating the newly elected president’s tactics of revenge, inflammatory lies, and verbal abuse will influence humanity worldwide and significantly impact all realms of society.
Leadership is heavily responsible for modeling what you want others to master—particularly regarding values, integrity, and character. When you act as though the rules of humanity don’t apply to you, inherent in your ideology is that they don’t apply to others either. Be careful what you are condoning, justifying, and emulating; those behaviors will one day come back at you, your family, and your loved ones. Many of those who voted for the president-elect stated that although they didn’t like how he spoke or treated others, they did like his policies. If this speaks to you, don’t ignore, excuse, or minimize his actions—because you like his policies; instead, stand against his actions while you stand for his policies. We as a nation have no idea how to do this; we must learn how.
Holding others accountable while maintaining the relationship can be challenging—and—it is essential. If we want healthy, interconnected, relational, and mutually rewarding marriages, families, friendships, or nations, then we must learn to hold one another accountable while, whenever possible, maintaining the relationship. My mother was 80 years old when she last voted for Trump. I was beyond disappointed, angry, and hurt that she would vote for a man who would put her children at risk. I almost stopped talking to her until I took a step back and remembered—she’s 80 years old—and she’s my mother who loves me. And I love her. I had to remember that my life’s work is about fighting for healthy relationships, not tearing them down. Since Trump has come on the scene, I have had to anchor myself in this reminder more times than I can count. My mother has since passed, and I am more grateful than ever for not giving this man the power to tear apart my family.
And sadly, some people may have to end relationships for many reasons related to this election. I encourage everyone in this position to work hard to avoid making big decisions like these from a reactionary place. Those decisions will seldom serve you. While some relationships may ultimately need to end, wielding too heavy a sword out of righteousness, contempt, or reactivity will not help you, others, or our nation. Instead, step back, pause, breathe, and think with a clear head. And if, after taking a step back and getting grounded, you believe ending a relationship is necessary, do so with thoughtfulness, compassion, and a Grounded Powerful Strength.
Although the seeming recklessness and dangerousness of the president-elect’s cabinet choices may fuel the rage of his non-supporters and increase the level of strife between friends and family members on opposite sides of the political divide, always remember: A country divided doesn’t get less divided by cutoffs. Get anchored in your values, integrity, and character. Commit to courageously confronting harmful actions directed at anyone; by doing so, you raise the bar of humanity for everyone. Humanity divided strengthens those in power positions; humanity united weakens them. Now more than ever, we need to be anchored in our humanity, not our divisions.
