Global Financial Strategy - Angela Merkel's vision thing

Global Financial Strategy

Search the site >>Advanced search

First for financial regulatory news and views

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.

Related articles:

Merkel rebuffs minister on Greek default

Merkel: eurobonds are ‘wrong answer’

‘No objections’ to Bundesbank heir

Merkel picks adviser for Bundesbank

Germany may oppose EU bailout hike

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.

Login	Register	Most read	Most commented
Username Password >> Remember me >> Forgotten your password? >> Sign Up GFS is pleased to offer you a two-week free trial. You will receive a daily email bulletin of the latest regulatory news and analysis and a weekly email round-up. Please complete the free trial form. You will also receive full access to our online site.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

INTERVIEWS & FEATURES

STRAW POLL

Will markets in 2012 have a tougher time than 2011?

FIND A REGION world regions