Today, Angela Merkel is the Time Magazine Person of the Year. This is significant for many reasons, not the least of which is the accomplishment of a lone female winning the award for the first time in 29 years. (Philippine President Corazon Aquino was the last lone female in 1986, for "leading a democratic revolution that captured the world's imagination.") But the considerations of today's selection are much more than this statistic that some MSM are reporting today.
Time Magazine gives many reasons for her selection. She has outsmarted her opponents. "Providing steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply" is the closing phrase of the article. She "brandished a different set of values - humanity, generosity, tolerance." Another quote about leadership reveals an intriguing insight: Leaders are tested only when people don't want to follow.
The truth of this statement rings worldwide. In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, leaders in any realm (politics or commerce) must lead... not manage or just rearrange the papers. The four important descriptors show us how all leaders need to incorporate and embody (not just reflect) in order to succeed in times of turmoil and how we reach those times of peace.
Of course, being a PhD quantum chemist helps you outsmart. Being the daughter of a minister helps you practice humanity. Opening doors when the world is afraid shows generosity. Putting up with the dogs of a peer (Putin) when you are reportedly afraid demonstrates your tolerance.
Nature versus nurture, environment versus biology. The end result - You have to make the choice every day who you want to be. Find a good place to start and begin, with baby steps, to make bold change in the world.
