[August 23, 2026] Leaders who envision the future are called upon to offer a compelling vision, a method of achieving it, convince others that we can manage it, and that the future has some value. They especially have to know where they’re going. And, to confront that future requires faith and courage because we can never have all the facts at hand, and we never will. The idea is, “we can do this.”
It is the job of leaders to say that, we’ve got this if we put our heads together, if we abide by the proper moral principles, if we make the right choices, and if we’re responsible. That way, we can make the future good for us all, instead of going in circles and being that charlatan who misleads and hides the truth.
What do we want in a leader? How about one who’s cognitively intelligent, who’s conscientious and dedicated, and then someone who has a very wide social network because that’s one of multipliers of competence. If you know people, those who know how to get things done, then you don’t have to know, you just have to know how to call on them. And then, the leader has to get the heck out of the way, at least if he has any sense.
Imagine that we have a leader who is willing to confront the truly big problems that hold us back and prevent us from moving to where we want to be. The question is, is he the right man for that task. We should ask ourselves, how do we know if that leader is the right one? If that leader is frightened or tempted towards tyranny in his methods to deal with this terrible problem, then he is not the right leader.
Furthermore, we don’t need a leader who is always right; you’re not going to find that person. You want a leader who is willing to put his ideas to the test to discover where he is wrong, and to learn and make the adjustments to better accomplish that future. That’s a leader. That’s someone with courage.
The good leader is the one who will listen, really listen closely, because then people will tell them what their problems are, and often tell them the solutions too. But a leader who has to force people to do things to get it done, is the wrong leader in the wrong circumstances.
Remember, “We can do this.”
NOTE: Much of this article is taken from lectures by Prof. Jordan Peterson.
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General Satterfield’s article offers an uplifting message about true leadership that fills us with hope and confidence. It shows how great leaders paint a clear picture of a better future and then inspire everyone to believe that the team can reach it together. The writer stresses that real leaders rely on strong moral values, smart choices, and shared responsibility so that the path ahead stays bright for all. Readers learn that the best leaders are smart, hardworking, and skilled at connecting with capable people who can help get the job done. The article wisely notes that a good leader steps aside when needed so others can shine and contribute their strengths. It celebrates leaders who face big challenges with courage instead of fear or harsh control. The piece also praises those who test their own ideas, admit mistakes, and grow stronger from what they learn. Listening carefully to others is highlighted as a key gift that lets people share both problems and useful solutions. Overall, the simple and repeated call of “We can do this” leaves everyone feeling encouraged and ready to move forward with purpose.
“We can do this” —— exactly right. I’ve worked with some wonderful, lovely people in my lifetime and I discovered that the proper attitude is what makes all the difference.