Is Trump a GOOD Leader?

What makes a good “leader”?  It’s a simple question, but can it be answered simply?

A good leader leads well.  Okay, but that’s not saying much.  We might then ask, what does it mean to lead well?

So, I offer a few sound principles around good leadership that might help us get a handle on what makes a good leader.

One: leaders are responsible for the people they lead.  For example, they are responsible for the direction they are taking their followers, those being led.  In other words a good leader leads in such a way that the wellbeing of his/her followers is a priority.  Thus, a good leader is selfless: more concerned about the people and their needs than his/her own self interests.  A good leader takes into account the overall welfare, health and safety and prosperity of the people—so that all that are affected by his/her leadership (or at least most) are able to thrive.

Two: a good leader is not only knowledgeable but wise and skillful in the application of that knowledge.  Knowledge is one thing, but the wise use and application of knowledge is another thing altogether.  Thus, a good leader is measured in his/her behavior and comments, and is insightful and discerning in his/her communication and understanding.  Hence, a good leader helps his/her followers see and understand more clearly the necessity of certain actions and choices over others.   Hence, a good leader not only inspires but also informs, instructs, and enlightens his/her followers.  People are not left in the dark; neither are they left confused or puzzled or bewildered by what is being said or done.  They are able to connect the dots and are able to see the wisdom of a leader’s actions and statements.

Three: a good leader is thus transparent, has integrity and is therefore trustworthy.  A good leader communicates well and hides nothing, especially of great import.  A good leader leaves no doubt and immediately clears up questionable action (or words).  A good leader most certainly says what he means and means what he says.  There is no double-speak.  There is consistency in both action/behavior as well as in word and speech.  And there is full ownership of contradictory words and actions with appropriate correction or re-alignment.  Hence, a good leader unites, rather than divides, and extends confident assurances rather than spreads anxiety.  Indeed, the words and actions of a good leader effectively results in peace and calmness within a people, rather than worrisome, troubling hearts and minds among the people.

These are just three good leadership traits.  There are certainly more.  I wonder, just using these three traits as a measure, how would you rate President Trump as a leader?