I wanted to test my leadership skills, so I traveled to Baghdad, Iraq in the spring of 1998. I met an Iraqi citizen in front of one of the many presidential palaces. The young man was wearing a T-shirt that read “Liberation, Not Control.”

I had a shoulder holster with a big black revolver stuck in it. The Corvette was parked nearby; two big black tomahawk cruise missiles were strapped to the roof of the car.

“I have come to Baghdad to assume leadership and set things right with the Iraqi people,” I told the curious citizen. “My guns are bigger and more powerful than those aimed at you by my predecessors. Therefore, I order you to trust me and show me absolute respect!”

“Stop! You’re killing me!” the Iraqi citizen exclaimed. “And you can blow it out your nose! We’re tired of being subjected to authoritarian tactics of intimidation and fear.”

I was perplexed by the man’s negative response. I turned my back on the citizen, pulled out my pistol, and closely inspected the gun. I said to myself, “Wielding my authority and holding such weapons over people’s heads once got me their immediate attention and respect. Times are changing faster than the hourglass of my backward thinking. What am I afraid of? . . . Lord, is my lack of self-confidence preventing me from having confidence in others? How can I become a good leader of people?”

God appeared and said, “Wantsalittle, a good leader inspires people to have confidence in him or her; a great leader inspires others to have confidence in themselves. As a dynamic leader, you must be an integral member of the group whose goals you share and the realization of which you help to facilitate. Effective leadership involves changing a group from what it is into what it ought to be. You must stimulate people to do what they already wish to do.”

“Lord, although I realize that I sometimes use authoritarian methods, as I just did with the Iraqi citizen, I despise authoritarian leadership! How can I lead more democratically?”

“Wantsalittle, as a democratic leader, you’re not concerned with power, control, and discipline. You realize that people’s trust and respect must be earned, not commanded, by your having self-confidence and showing confidence in those around you.”

The Lord took the gun out of my hand. She said, “Confucius, one among many truly great leaders, knew that tough laws weren’t necessary and that character was at the heart of civilization. ‘If the ruler is virtuous,’ Confucius taught, ‘the people will also be virtuous.’ People will follow you, not so much because of your position and authority, but because you’re honest, fair, and set a positive example. Others must approve of your ideas and endorse your behavior. You must appeal to the interests and needs of the group. Regardless of your charm and personal leadership qualities, you will not be perceived by people as an effective leader unless you can satisfy others’ individual and collective needs.”

“Lord, what else can You tell me about dynamic leadership?”

“Leaders are made, not born. As you think and act with a more democratic-leadership manner, you will gain the trust, respect, and confidence of the group as a whole. Wantsalittle, try to fashion a more ‘democratic’ leadership style.”

After God left, I took off my gun belt and disarmed the missiles. Then I put a white peace medallion around my neck, took off my stainless-steel gloves, and shook the Iraqi citizen’s hand.

“I’m here to listen and to discuss the topics of love and peace,” I told the now attentive Iraqi man. “What do you think that nations and people should do to get along, love one another, and build a lasting peace on earth?”

The Iraqi gentleman eagerly replied, “Hallelujah! At last a facilitator who really cares what we have to say, instead of a dictator who threatens and curtails us. Let’s sit down, my new and objective friend, and exchange some life-changing ideas.”

(The moral of this episode: Leaders are made, not born. A good leader inspires people to have confidence in him or her; a great leader inspires others to have confidence in themselves!)

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