Many have asked me about the ethical intelligence of political leaders, often with the tongue-in-cheek proviso that the term “ethically intelligent political leader” is probably an oxymoron. I’ve always found this an interesting question. In fact, some of my politician friends – yes I do have a few – have suggested that be the title of my next book.
So, I’ve decided to tackle this question using the current presidential campaign. And, I’m going to consider the possibility – or not – that Donald Trump is an ethically intelligent leader. Some Trump supporters might protest this endeavor because he’s not a politician. I would answer that up until June last year, when he announced his tendency for president, that was a true. Now, however, he is a politician.
The best way to make an ethically intelligent determination about someone is through first-hand observations. Since I don’t know Mr. Trump personally, however, I’ll base my analysis on behaviors and characteristics available from public sources. The information I’m going to use about Mr. Trump’s behaviors and personal characteristics will be that reported by people who know him well, especially family members and close personal associates.
I use interviews because personal interviews are the best source of data. I like to see and hear data. Simply reading someone’s words is sterile and unrevealing about behaviors and personal characteristics. This is especially true of reporters and other media personalities, who may have either a positive or a negative personal agenda that informs their work.
My ethical intelligence research is based on personal interviews, talking to people about their ethical judging experiences. I use personal interviews because I can observe body language, feel emotions, and judge authenticity. So, here goes. Can we determine if Mr. Trump is an ethically intelligent leader? Although, there are many aspects to consider, we’re going to look at three.
One of the most important elements of an ethically intelligent leader is the condition of their worldview window, or that prism through which they see and interpret the world. In other words, do they see everyone, including the “little people” or the “invisible people” around them. These are the people who clean our homes or offices, or they shine our shoes or wait on us at the local cleaners.
I’ve seen multiple interviews with family members and close associates who’ve reported observations of Mr. Trump’s interactions with the “invisible” among us. Based on these interviews, it appears that Mr. Trump keeps his worldview window clean, in other words he does see such people and interact with them. Lest we be cynical and say surely this is currently the case only because he’s running for political office. That’s true, but most of these observations I’ve considered happened before he was a political candidate.
A second important consideration in determining whether someone is an ethically intelligent leader is how they interact with and lead followers. Has the leader articulated a clear vision of where they’re going and how they’re going to get there? Have they painted a clear scenario of the ultimate destination so that his or her followers can see themselves in that scenario?
Based on the evidence that I’ve seen, Mr. Trump leads this way. He provides a clear vision and mission. But more importantly, Mr. Trump takes a personal interest in those he leads. He encourages them, and he sees the potential and hidden talents in those he leads before they can see it themselves. This is a mark of an ethically intelligent leader because, as leaders, we are called to mentor and grow new leaders. And, we’re all called to be CEO’s – chief encouragement officers!
The final aspect we’re going to consider is truth-telling. Ethically intelligent leaders always tell the truth, and they demand the truth from others. Here, my analysis becomes more difficult and the evidence opaque. I haven’t seen an interview where this subject was directly addressed. I can report in the negative, however; not one of the individuals have accused Mr. Trump of lying to them.
Yes, I know! There are accusations of lying in the news all day every day. That’s expected. After all, we are in the midst of a political campaign! And, there is a very real difference between someone personally looking you in the eye and telling you a lie, and those statements that are made in the midst of a hyperbolic political debate. So, on this aspect, I’m going to reach an indeterminate conclusion.
So, is Donald Trump an ethically intelligent leader? I can’t say for sure. But, I can say that it looks like he’s on the right track.
