The Consequences of a Closet Leader

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Herman Cain’s recent sexual allegations have me realizing one cannot expect to lead without sufficient criticism nor investigation. Fame seekers and celebrity wanna-be’s do not take into consideration the amount of public speculation that comes from being a well-known figure. (At least that’s what Joe Paterno learned before he received the boot from Penn State.)

In other words, this Presidential Hopeful practiced what I like to call, closet leadership.

• Closet leaders are not truthful to themselves or to the people they lead.
• Closet leaders figuratively hide behind a carefully constructed wall.
• Closet leaders sit on top of their skeletons hoping no one will ask them to move.

Charges and allegations being true or not, public leaders owe it to their followers to expose the “sins” of the past. I think voters are more understanding when humanity is displayed before them, rather than from the inside of walk-in closet.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Herman Cain should admit to something that he didn’t do (although I really don’t put it past any man to make a mistake like that). I am simply saying if a monetary settlement from 15 years ago really wasn’t that big of a deal, then why not release yourself from the confidentiality agreement before the start of a huge campaign, instead of waiting for a leak to be sprung by someone else?

Here is what some of you, my readers, have commented about the allegations:

In Herman Cain’s defense, I believe he has handled this situation with utmost respect. While I believe he started his campaign as somewhat of a closet leader, I believe his reaction to these allegations have actually shown he can be a confident leader too.

How is a confident leader different than a closet leader?

1. Confident Leaders require courage.

As humans, we often care what people think, and carefully choose our words and actions to avoid criticism. (I also know there are some of us who could really care less!) But for those of us who’s self-worth often depends on the views of others (and I’m not saying this is right), accusations can be devastating.

Cain has not wavered under the allegations nor fallen victim to public opinion. I think he has proven that he will not hide from his responsibilities.

2. Confident Leaders require thick skin.

Cain has displayed his willingness to lead despite harassment to his campaign (aka the November 9th GOP Debate)

3. Confident Leaders require persistence.

Cain has not quit, and his followers have not abandoned him. Roadblocks are what make or break a leader. You either give up easily and turn around, or you continue to find a way through the obstacle. If what he says is true, then he is doing the right thing by continuing in the race and not backing down from his convictions.

Pundits may call for Cain to drop out, but I think that move would be an act more along the lines of a closet leader. Throughout this entire ordeal, I think Herman Cain has, instead, proven to voters that he can be a confident one.

Click here to view Herman Cain’s Factsheet.

Your Turn:

Does it matter to you as a voter, whether or not these allegations are true?

What are some other character qualities of a confident leader?

Further Reading:

What the Herman Cain Case Reveals About Harassment by Her.meneutics