One of the responsibilities of being a leader is decision-making. A wise leader seeks understanding of the issue at hand, asking clarifying questions as needed. She may double-check information through her own research. If time and circumstance allow, she also seeks input from trusted advisors and team members. She listens to the contrary opinion, too, to be sure that all sides are represented and that she is fully informed. She carefully ponders her available choices, makes a decision and confidently proceeds.
One of the responsibilities of being a citizen is voting. A wise voter seeks understanding of the issue at hand, asking clarifying questions and personally researching the options as needed. He might discuss the issue with trusted friends, family, and neighbors. He pays attention to the contrary opinion on the issue – or the other candidates, as the case may be – to be fully informed. He considers the options before him, makes a decision and then confidently votes at his local polling place.
As a child of immigrants, I grew up in a household where the responsibility of being an American citizen was taken very seriously. I remember Mom and Dad watching the debates, reading the news, and reviewing the sample ballots that came in the mail back then. Voting was a privilege and they diligently cast their votes at every opportunity.
As leaders, you know how important some of your decisions are. As American citizens, every vote is an important decision, too. Don’t let the opportunity – the privilege – pass you by. If you haven’t already voted early, please go to the polls today.
Make a decision. Cast a vote.
