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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insights 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.
insights INSIGHT
Diplomacy and Narcissistic Leadership
Diplomacy is crucial inside and outside organizations, not just internationally.
Narcissistic diplomacy harms organizational goals by prioritizing personal interests.
question_answer 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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In 'What Hangs in the Balance?', Philippe Johnson addresses the importance of principled, ethical, competent, and selfless leadership. The book explores the risks associated with the absence of these qualities in both private and public sectors. Johnson draws upon real-world examples to illustrate the consequences of unethical leadership and the normalization of practices that violate core values. He emphasizes the need for ethical education and accountability in leadership training to counteract the negative impact of self-interest and personality disorders. The author advocates for a commitment to the Constitution, core values, and organizational missions, promoting decision-making based on duty and principle over personal gain. Ultimately, Johnson's message is a call to action to uphold ethical standards and prevent the erosion of trust in institutions and governance.
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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