The Impact of Nixon
November 18, 2008 • Historical Leaders
I recently had the privilege of watching the Frost Nixon play at the Kennedy Center. I would give it 3 out of 4 stars.
The play is focused on the famous interview of former President Richard Nixon by talk show host David Frost. In the interview David Frost got the president to admit he had obstructed justice and apologize to the American people.
It was a very creative play with some great leadership lessons. Here are some points I came away with on the subject of leadership.
1. I am amazed at how bad leaders can make it to the very top. I am amazed at how far someone can go with force and coercion.
2. Power WILL corrupt leaders who are already bent towards corruption.
3. Power will disillusion leaders to think themselves above the law.
We know this is true, yet it continues in most industry and nation. Pray for leaders who will lead from principle and wisdom versus power and control.
Unfortunately, Nixon’s acts of greed and cover-up have affected us today more than we probably realized it would when Watergate was first uncovered. His power play has led to cynicism from the people for our American leaders.
Is that good or bad?
3 Comments
Andrea Case said...
I am amazed as well at the number of bad leaders out there. Unfortunately in the polical venue, our supposed leaders have a hidden agenda because they are expected to have only one view point and cause. That cause is driven by a particular party or money to sway that “leaders’” moral and civic duty. Our leaders should stand by their morals and beliefs to do what is “RIGHT” for their company, people and the world.
Comment by Andrea Case - Nov 19, 2008 @ 12:03 PM
Sam Stroope said...
You have an interesting view of Richard Nixon. How do situations such as his occur? I tend to believe from all accounts of leadership I have read about or observed through history, whether local, national and certainly historically
documented, each leader is a product of the people they have grown with or surrounded themselves with. The strength of a leader is true discernment of himself and his (or her) advisers. Integrity seems to be a fading discipline in America. Not only in politics, but as well noted since Enron, but corporately.
Organizations such as yours and the leadership groups connected with yours through John Maxwell’s biblical principles for leaders, may be the only beacon of hope to turn the tide of leadership politically and in business. If your combined organizations could grow our future political leaders on these same qualities America’s future would be much improved.
Comment by Sam Stroope - Nov 24, 2008 @ 03:32 PM
Jeremie Kubicek said...
I agree Sam. Unfortunately there seems to be such cynicism towards integrity or principled leadership in today’s society. I have frequently heard “good guys can’t win” in regards to our political system. That is unfortunate. Most leaders observe the aftermath of reputations from outgoing political leaders and think they can have more influence on the outside than the inside. Nonetheless, you make a great point - careful who you surround yourself with. A great example is Reagan’s first term team versus his second term team (Don Regan specifically). Iran Contra would not have happened in my opinion if he had had his first team in place. Thanks for the feedback.
Comment by Jeremie Kubicek - Nov 24, 2008 @ 03:42 PM