[October 23, 2021] Over the past few years, we have witnessed leaders of several countries who failed decisively to unite their nations. Socialist leaders do a better job, although they typically use brute force – or threat of force – to achieve that end. Political leaders in democratic nations generally have a more complex environment to creating unity. Regardless of the country or size of an organization, creating unity is a universally recognized trait of outstanding leadership.
Today, few nations are under any severe threat to the existence of statehood.1 Most of the Americas and European nations are good examples where the citizenry lacks a desired level of unity. Many have economic, social, and political problems. Descent into disunity is too easy for a democratic nation or organization. While much of this is inherent in their makeup, disunity is costly.
What are the necessary ingredients leaders must exercise to create unity?
- Exercise of Good Judgment. Most difficult and requiring extensive/relevant experience to learn is recognizing the best way to do things that will bring their population together. Most leaders fail here, in particular when all their choices appear to them as bad.
- People Skills. Understanding human psychology, exercising respect for others, great communications, and possessing the ability to “connect” to people is a necessary start. People they lead need to feel that their leaders understand their circumstances and are on their side.
Are these the only two ingredients? Well, no. There are many more … but these are the two that, if absent, unity cannot exist. I wrote about some of these in an earlier post (link here). Without both, the right decisions will not be made, and people will not be convinced the right decision is being made.
President Joe Biden recently used his decision-making power, called Executive Action, to allow hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to cross the Southern border to enter the United States and provide them with amnesty.2 The majority of people believe the decision is not the right one. Thus, there is disunity in the U.S. that is currently poisoning the atmosphere of future cooperation and spilling over into other areas where collaboration is needed. The impact of the president’s action will continue to generate even greater disunity in the United States.
Great leaders, those leaders known for uniting people, are careful to use good judgment and their people skills to communicate the importance of that judgment. Often, the judgment is poorly communicated, making unity difficult and uneven. This is common in a common theme of democracy and is both good for its development and angst for its people. Interestingly, democracies remain the light to which most still aspire.
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- There are some notable exceptions like Taiwan and Afghanistan. The threat to Ukraine has eased somewhat but is still being threatened by Russia.
- https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/10/22/house-democrats-amnesty-for-illegal-aliens-hinges-on-kamala-harris/
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Please read my newest book, “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” at Amazon (link here).
Great article, Gen. Satterfield. Oh, how did your book-signing go? I hope it was successful.
Yeah, I wonder.
Just a thought for Gen. Satterfield and a recommendation. Please write your next book on junior leadership. I think doing so would resonate with more folks across the nation. Everyone seems to have their own spin on leadership and your ideas are obviously taking hold… go for it.
Just a note to say thank-you to all who are supporters of me. I will give a report on how my book-signing event went.
That’s why we are here. We get such great info on leadership and all of it for FREE. What a better way to understand leadership but by reading what you write.
You’re welcome, Gen. S. Thanks for your support of us, as well.
Good luck today, Gen. Satterfield.
Another great article, thanks Gen. Satterfield. There is a reason your website is so popular and this is the reason. Oh, I also must say ‘good luck’ with your signing today and I’m hoping for a big turnout for you. Please fill us in on your book’s debut. Should be a good day for you. I looked up the weather out your way and no rain, a bit cool. Just the right weather.
Yes! Folks, go here and buy his book and give a review. That is how we can push for more popularity of this website and help overcome the “victimhood” society we’ve lowered ourselves into.
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Longest-Year-Iraq-Construction/dp/1737915510/
Good comment Pooch and JT. I wish I could go but I live on the other side of the country. Too far for me to travel physically but I will be there in spirit. Good luck today, Gen. Satterfield at your first book signing event. Please post a few pictures if you will.
Gen. Satterfield, good luck today with your book signing. I hope you sell out all your books. But that’s a lot of signing.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/buy-this-book/
I too was thinking Joe Biden the entire time I was reading Gen. Satterfield’s post today. I don’t know why….. oh, yep, I do know why. Joe Biteme is divisive, an idiot, and dingbat crazy. Those around him are protecting an evil man.
Tell us what you really think. Altho I believe most Americans think the way you think.
Let’s Go Brandon!!!!
Hey, great article. But I have to say that Joe BIden (president in name only) is the most divisive president since Jimmmmmyyyy Carter. Got that! Yeah, Let’s go Brandon.
Hahahahahah
Let’s go Brandon!
See Powerlineblog.com
Got it, yep, got it.
Very funny, guys! Loving this website.
What? You folks don’t like Brandon? Nawww. I’m for him. Yes, this is the best leadership website I’ve ever read. Have been a big fan for a long time now. I’m from Texas and nobody, but nobody messes with us. That is why I also love this website and Gen. Satterfield must be a Texan.
— an American Patriot. 👍
Rev Cain, you da man!
Hey, thanks.