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EEC 384: Competencies, Qualities and Policies of a Successful Leader, with Philippe Johnson

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Jun 3, 2025

Philippe Johnson, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and author, discusses the vital character traits essential for effective leadership, such as patriotism and humility. He critiques former President Trump's leadership style, addressing the implications of loyalty versus principled loyalty. Johnson introduces the concept of "courageously selfless leadership" as crucial for governance. The conversation also highlights the dangers of personality disorders in leadership roles and the need for integrating ethics into leadership education across cultures.

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INSIGHT

Core Traits of Effective Leaders

Essential leader traits include patriotism, role understanding, decision-making skills, and strong character.
Character encompasses humility, empathy, respect, discipline, self-control, and honesty.

INSIGHT

Diplomacy and Narcissistic Leadership

Diplomacy is crucial inside and outside organizations, not just internationally.
Narcissistic diplomacy harms organizational goals by prioritizing personal interests.

ANECDOTE

Examples of Principled Leaders

Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger exemplify patriotic, courageous, selfless, and competent leadership.
They risked personal consequences by standing for principle, showing real-world courageous leadership.

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Philippe Johnson is a retired United States Air Force officer and advocate for principled and ethical leadership in public service.

What are the essential character traits and competencies all leaders need to exhibit to most effectively do their jobs?
Using the core traits you have identified for what makes a competent and principled leader, how does former President Trump serve as a case study of poor leadership, and what have been the material outcomes of his failings?
There are so many critics out there who decry Trump’s personal character and leadership style, but very few actually posit specific criteria for why he is such an aberration, other than pointing to the more sensational aspects of his court cases and social media rants. Can you clearly outline his shortcomings from a practical, on-the-job perspective?
The Trump administration seemed to place a premium on loyalty. Your book talks about the difference between “principled” and “unprincipled” loyalty.
Which term best applies to those within Trump’s inner circle and why? Please define “courageously selfless leadership,” and why is that such an integral part of governing an organization or company?

Philippe Johnson

Philippe Johnson is a retired United States Air Force officer and advocate for principled and ethical leadership in public service. The son of a language teacher and career United States Army officer, he was raised in the United States, France, and Germany. During his 24 years on active duty, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson served as a fixed- and rotary-wing pilot, intelligence offi cer, and diplomat (militaryattaché), and was honored with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He also served on the staffs of two Air Force major commands as his final two assignments. Philippe received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and earned his master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. He can be reached at www.philippejohnson.com.

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