GFS LinkedIn
GFS Facebook
GFS Twitter
GFS RSS feed

Angela Merkel’s vision thing

Tuesday 8 November 2011 – by Joseph S. Nye / Project Syndicate

 The success of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s public caution surrounding the rescue of the eurozone will be tested now that she has finally articulated her visions for the future of Europe to the German Parliament, argues former US assistant secretary of defence and Harvard professor Joseph S. Nye, Jr.

As Europe struggles to save the euro, the chorus of complaints about weak leadership in the world’s major economies grows louder.

Many have singled out German Chancellor Angela Merkel for failing to promote a vision of Europe similar to that of her predecessor and mentor, Helmut Kohl. Are the critics right?

Part of what effective leaders do is communicate a vision that gives meaning to policies and inspires others to support these policies (and those who propose them).

It is one of the ways in which leaders help to create shared objectives and energize common action.

Usually, such a vision provides a scenario for the future that is meant to encourage change, though it may also portray the status quo – or the past – as attractive, thereby encouraging resistance to change.


Either way, without a vision, it is difficult to lead others anywhere. Frederick Smith, CEO of Federal Express, has argued that “the primary task of leadership is to communicate the vision and values of an organisation.”

To read this article in full, please visit our partner site, Project Syndicate, by clicking here.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2011. www.project-syndicate.org

– Got an opinion? Send your idea for an article to [email protected]


WHAT DO YOU THINK?
 
Name:
   
Email:
   
Comment:
   
Post as Anonymous
  Display name
   
Please, enter security code
   
 

No comments yet.

STRAW POLL

Will markets in 2012 have a tougher time than 2011?

Yes

No

Don’t know

View results

FIND A REGION world regions