We as a people have such purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world. ~George H.W. Bush, January 20, 1989 Inauguration
This past week while the nation said a final goodbye to our 41st President, several images that stood out to me. One of those images was the friendship that developed between George H .W. Bush and Bill Clinton. This friendship reminded me of one of the points in Simon Sinek’s forthcoming book, The Infinite Game. Simon makes a case for the idea that leaders who view leadership from the paradigm of an infinite game will have a worthy rival as opposed to a competitor.
A Worthy Rival
A worthy rival is acknowledged and treated with respect. Our success or failure isn’t measured against them. Our rivals push us to improve. We are constantly striving to become a better version of ourselves. Ultimately, we are competing against ourselves.
Who are the beneficiaries when leaders become rivals instead of competitors? The followers! Using politics as an example, imagine two candidates who are pushing each other to become better, who create strategies as if their #1 competitor is themselves. We get two better candidates from which to choose!
Leaders Have a Worthy Rival Mindset
Last week CNN reported, “Once political rivals, Presidents Bush and Clinton ended up forming an unlikely friendship.”CNN quoting Bush, “Just because you run against someone does not mean you have to be enemies. Politics does not have to be mean and ugly.”
This CNN piece was titled The letter George H.W. Bush left for Clinton is a lesson in grace. If you have or haven’t read this letter, I believe it’s worth repeating. It’s a wonderful example of a leader’s worthy rival mindset.
Dear Bill,
When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.
I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.
There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course.
You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.
Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.
Good luck—
George
May all leaders find the courage to become a worthy rival, and lead with grace, as did George H.W. Bush.