I have found myself drawn to watching the American political conventions with curiosity and fascination.   Normally I would have flipped past the channel but now I find myself listening intently to the messages behind the words.  As a Leadership Coach, who believes passionately in the importance of leadership reflection, personal development and a Learner mindset, I cannot help but observe the diametrically opposed underlying mindsets of the two conventions and nominees.

In our blog we have talked before about a Learner mindset and a Judger mindset and how important it is to be aware of our underlying beliefs and assumptions and how they affect the behaviour we demonstrate as leaders. Let me recap. Leaders who function from a Judger mindset demonstrate behaviour that is:  inflexible, rigid, one point of view only, intolerant, critical, fearful of differences, protective and reactive. On the other hand, when leaders function from a Learner mindset, they demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, responsiveness, inclusiveness, creativity and they value differences, seek multiple perspectives and are relationship-based.

From my perspective, the underlying messages of the Republican convention and political campaign are rooted in a Judger mindset based on what is wrong.   The language of those messages imply disaster, instilling emotions of fear, anger and even contempt.   The nominee positions himself as an autocratic leader who will save the country; a leader who speaks in a tone of anger and judgement, with strong opinions and self-regard for his abilities to rule the nation.

In contrast, the messages of the Democratic convention represent an underlying mindset based on optimism and hope, building on the strengths of the nation, acknowledging that yes, there have been mistakes and areas to continue improving but that together with the people of America, they will work to find solutions.  Truly a Learner mindset.

I have felt compelled today to put my personal reflections in writing.  Observing the drama of the U.S.election process, I have found that many of my personal values and beliefs about effective leadership have been challenged and dishonoured in the messages that are rooted in a Judger mindset.

What would be the impact of choosing a Leader that is so strongly rooted in a Judger mindset? As individuals, we have all survived leaders with a Judger mindset, but can a nation survive that kind of leadership?

by Mary Ann Tucker, ACPC, PCC, Certified Professional Coach.