Leaders require followers. In historical eras, the relationship between the two was defined by birth; leadership positions were attained by bloodline and decree, not by competency or merit. Those outside the ruling caste served the will of the noblemen. Freedom to be or to attain did not exist.

The American experiment changed that reality. In our constitutional democracy, citizens decide who their leaders will be. The term “public servant” encapsulates the concept well – our leaders are public servants.

When we choose a leader to serve the public interest, we ideally seek someone who is among the best of us. In recent years, I’ve been surprised to realize that that may no longer be true for many of us and I’m not sure why.

There are many who have chosen to follow a lesser man. One who is less than the talented contractor whose skill breathed life into my tired old house, less than the trustworthy mechanic who keeps the family vehicles rolling, less than the caring nurse who monitors my health, and less than the neighbors who look out for one another when a need arises. When we choose less skill, competency, and compassion, we get less of the same.

Surrounding all of us are examples of good people with traits we admire. Leaders are among them. Choose more and expect more.

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Kevin Deeny