[December 28, 2016] There will be times and places where the most effective leader will do the greatest good by personally being present at a significant time or place and paying one’s respect. Yesterday, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where his nation conducted a surprise attack on December 7, 1941 bringing America into World War II.
Both U.S. President Obama and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made remarks of reconciliation and how wars can end and enemies can become allies. PM Abe was not there to apologize for his nation’s attack on Pearl Harbor but offered “sincere and everlasting condolences” to the U.S. service members who died when the attack occurred. He said “we must never repeat the horrors of war again.”
PM Abe’s visit shows what an effective leader can do with their personal presence and a few kind words. Time is a precious resource for senior leaders but when used well it can become something that transcends its immediate effect. Japan and the United States have been allies since World War II and the political, economic, and social ties between those two nations has strengthened over the past few decades.
Japan has become a major pillar of strength in the Pacific and a buffer against hostile powers in the region. For example, Japan has resisted the provocations from North Korea and its increasing nuclear proliferation. Japan has also shown strength in its leadership as it helps keep China from being overly aggressive. These actions are in the national interests of both nations and of allies in the region.
But President Obama also shows what the presence of a senior leader can do. The fact that he was present made PM Abe’s visit that much more important. Too many times, leaders fail to recognize what their presence can do. There are negative consequences of an absent leader and while physical distances make it difficult to be in the right place at the right time, excuses are unimportant when people are involved.
There are many times in military history lore when the last-minute arrival of a leader on the battlefield turned the tide to that leader’s side. The value of the presence of a leader is undervalued only by those who neither understand people nor the principle of leadership.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visit to the World War II memorial at Pearl Harbor is an example of how effective leadership can make a difference. He is to be commended and the nation of Japan is fortunate to have him leading their country.
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