Robert F. Kennedy's leadership style is perhaps best characterized by the empathy, strong moral compass, and strength of conviction that served as the pier to which all of Kennedy's crucial decision were moored. Kennedy's ability to empathize with others--his keenness in viewing situations from another's frame of reference and predicting responses--served the nation well when, at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bobby was able to anticipate Krushchev's response to each action proposed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The wherewithal to understand the perspectives of others--when employed to guide decisions affecting those individuals. Additionally, Kennedy's willingness to make decisions according to his personal code of ethics--which dictated for him the imperative of ending social injustice, racial inequality, and the Vietnam War--was complemented by his steadfastness in his principles and beliefs even when these proved unpopular. Rather than marginalizing him as a radical, Kennedy's strength of conviction instilled in the public a belief that his ideas could actually effect the change he sought to make in the world.
Kennedy's leadership characteristics were shaped by several important events and factors in his life. While his strong Catholic upbringing helped to shape his moral compass, it was his service as his brother's most trusted adviser and, subsequently, the death of President Kennedy, that shaped Bobby's vision and style and thrust Kennedy into the political limelight. It was his service as Attorney General, however, and--more notably--the experiences this afforded him with civil rights and the ingrained prejudices of the south that led to the awakening of Kennedy's social conscience regarding matters of race and equality.
Kennedy believed that, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly." His willingness to sacrifice popularity for righteousness--his fearlessness in drafting progressive social policy that was poorly received by the conservative voting base--became a cornerstone of Kennedy's political modus operandi: he felt and believed deeply, and he acted accordingly, regardless of the cost. Kennedy's moral compass, however, did not always point due north. His support of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion led indirectly to Castro's growing insecurity in his position as leader of Cuba, a paranoia that was a contributing factor to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kennedy learned from the failure of the invasion and advised his brother to refrain from striking first during the Crisis standoff as he predicted the various scenarios that would spring from a preemptive strike. He modified his approach in response to previous failure, reaching out through secret channels to Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin to facilitate a secret deal with Krushchev.
Civil rights. (n.d.). Robert F. Kennedy. Retrieved September 23, 2010, from
http:///en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy
David, L., & David, I. (1986). Bobby Kennedy: The making of a folk hero. New
York NY: Dodd, Mead & Company
Kennedy, R. F. (1969). Thirteen days: A memoir of the Cuban missile crisis. New
York NY: W.W. Norton
Robert Kennedy. (2010). Encyclopedia of world biography. Retrieved September 25,
2010, from http://www.notablebiographies.com/Jo-Ki/Kennedy-Robert.html
Simkin, J. (1998). Robert F. Kennedy: biography. In Spartacus educational.
Retrieved September 25, 2010, from http:///www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/
USAkennedyR.htm
Hi Heather!
ReplyDeleteRobert F. Kennedy is a great choice for a leader with outstanding leadership characteristics. Those attributes that you have discussed point strongly toward someone who has focus guided by what is right and wrong and through this focus he is able to lead others. Your identification of how his strength of conviction was seen as very positive by many in the public is critical to leading others. This may also be seen as passion which is a vital leadership attribute and one that serves leaders well in times of crisis.
Kennedy's quote about failure is awesome and one that we should all remember. As well as ourselves, we must allow those working with us and for us to have the ability to take risks and as a result faiures may occur. Everyone needs to know that failure is okay as long as we learn from those failures. Great overview!! Thanks for sharing.
Dave
Hello Heather,
ReplyDeleteRobert Kennedy was a great leader of our time, whose name and legacy will always be recognized and adored throughout history. Robert Kennedy and Alice Paul have many similarities as leaders. Paul and Kennedy both had a strong religious upbringing that directly affected their leadership style and their visions for change. (Paul was a Quaker.) Both Paul and Kennedy had the ability to recognize and act upon injustices. They were not wavered in their efforts. Throughout their lives, Paul and Kennedy held beliefs that were unpopular, however they stood their grounds. They each learned from their failures.
There is a big difference between our leaders, which is in recognition. Rightfully so, Robert Kennedy’s story is alive in our history books. When his name is mentioned, American’s are aware of his struggles and success. That, sadly, is not the case for Alice Paul. Her work was so influential and life changing, but many are uncertain of her accomplishments.
Brittney