The Blind Memo

One is driven to consider the qualities of good leadership yet again this week as the reality television show that is our government has its latest, seemingly daily crisis.

One is reminded of past leaders we have had, and of stories that demonstrate what true greatness in leadership look like; for instance, the story of the blind memo.

When Lincoln was nearing the end of his first term, he was not likely to be reelected. He had devoted his administration to preserving the Union but had not won much personal popularity in the process. As the election approached, he met with his cabinet one day with a memo he wanted them to sign. Yet it was covered and sealed. He asked them to sign it blindly, without knowing the content, without knowing what they were committing to. Yet such was his integrity, his character, and his track record with them, that they all signed it.

As it turns out, it was a commitment, from Lincoln and now his whole cabinet, to stand behind and support the new president elect for the good of the Union. The country came before anyone. And, as it turns out, the memo was unneeded. Lincoln won reelection.

That is the sort of selfless leadership our country has forgotten about today. We do live in a divided time, much like the country was before Lincoln was elected. But today our “leaders” on “both sides” are not interested in leading us to better days, nor in what is best for the country. In their eyes, what is best for them individually is all that matters for they ARE the country.