The Alchemy of Leadership and the Consent of the Governed, continued
leadership surely must be receiving permission from your followers to lead with passion and integrity. Our Declaration of Independence in 1776 referred to this as “the consent of the governed”: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed … This concept that leaders derive their authority and legitimacy (and perhaps even their greatness) from their followers is an essential element of our American form of government, and it appears to be the cornerstone of all other great democracies. When those governed revoke their consent by electing new leaders, withholding their financial or political support, or through
civil disobedience, the system inevitably experiences pressure to change. This is precisely what major democratic institutions like our own government and those of India, Greece and elsewhere are undergoing. This democratic, grassroots force, insisting on fidelity to the consent of the governed, may even be finding expression in religious institutions like the
2,000-year old Catholic Church — hardly anyone’s idea of a bastion of democratic decision-making. Clearly, the consent of the governed is necessary for effective leadership. However, the questions presented here regarding what makes a leader effective do not lend themselves to easy answers, but offer food for thought for all public servants. ■
League Rolls Out New Advocacy Tool In 2014 the California Legislature will see one of the largest increases in new legislators in years. To give city officials tools to better understand legislative candidates in their districts and candidates’ positions on issues of importance to cities, the League will distribute questionnaires to legislative candidates in March 2014. The intent of this resource is not only to aid city officials in making endorsements in this election cycle but also to help hold legislators accountable post election. For more information on the candidate questionnaire, contact Bismarck Obando, director of public affairs for the League; phone: (916) 658-8273; email: Bismarck@cacities.org.
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League of California Cities
www.cacities.org