Today's societal norms have been on a steady decline during the past several years with social media being one of the places far too many Americans and others shoot their mouths off without thinking of the repercussions and their potential negative impact on others.
To echo President Donald Trump, who leads the world in bullying -- it is sad.
"Leadership is not bullying, and leadership is not aggression. Leadership is the expectation that you can use your voice for good. That you can make the world a better place." -- Sheryl Sandberg, #Wisewords
Leadership, particularly positive leadership, doesn't just matter at the national level, though -- it matters locally too.
Local leaders must use positive words and actions to demonstrate leadership and do all they can to avoid bullying. Unfortunately, some people don't understand how hurtful their words and actions can be to others.
Recently, Reno County Commissioner Dan Deming, who regularly writes a column for The Hutchinson News, wrote about his anger at some television commercials. He specifically pointed out two "shouting children" who live in the greater Hutchinson area. He called them out and with venom saying he long had wanted to shoot or kick in his television when he saw commercials featuring these children. This is beyond sad.
While I've never met Mr. Trump or Mr. Deming, they both offend me with their words.
How in the world can we teach our children to have civil dialogue when our leaders bully others with their hurtful words and actions? Children who face more than enough challenges in life need not publicly be called obnoxious for appearing in a TV commercial. This commissioner owes those children and their family an apology as well as a commitment to be more sensitive in the future.
With great power also comes great responsibility. That responsibility includes setting a good example for others in words and deeds. Deming should be the leader his family and community can be proud of and do a better job of it beginning today.
Communicating clearly and positively, without a doubt, is a tenuous tightrope we each must balance. It is fraught with opportunities to make mistakes, but it is a challenge we each must undertake. Here's one writer who summarizes it well:
"The challenge of leadership is to
be strong, but not rude;
be kind, but not weak;
be bold, but not a bully;
be humble, but not timid;
be proud, but not arrogant;
have humor, but without folly."
-- Jim Rohn (sunglaz.com)
Jeanny Sharp is regional advertising director for The Hutchinson News. Reach her at jsharp@hutchnnews.com.