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 With the memory of Hurricane Katrina fresh in the minds of Americans, we'd like to discuss the leadership aspects of this disaster - or more accurately the perceived lack of leadership. We've decided to call this article Demonstrating Genuine Leadership because we're moving away from leadership theory with this one and pulling from a real world example.
Leadership and Defining Moments
By now you've probably heard the phrase "defining moments," which refers to points in time where our true character comes through. For example, are we level-headed or do we panic during a crisis? When others really need us, are we there for them?
We're not talking about everyday events, rather those few instances in our lives where our will and possibly our courage are tested. It is during these defining moments where heroes emerge - seemingly from out of nowhere. It is during these defining moments where Presidents have the opportunity to stand above the rest.
There were many heroes that emerged during Hurricane Katrina. We saw them walking the streets, helping victims get to safety. Men and women that looked like they hadn't had a meal in days, dropping off the elderly and turning around to go find others in need. When faced with a defining moment, these heroes and leaders acted with strength, courage, and compassion.
Leadership after Katrina
As is the case with any disaster of this magnitude, in the days surrounding Hurricane Katrina, there were many opportunities for leaders to emerge. But the perception today is that no one individual rose to meet this challenge. In our opinion, there were opportunities for at least four individuals to emerge as leaders and let's take a quick look at what happened to each.
New Orleans Mayor C Ray Nagin
Elected to Mayor of New Orleans in May 2002, Ray Nagin was critical of the timeliness and resources sent to New Orleans in the days immediately following the hurricane. His role during this crisis was more of "advocate," pleading with others to send help as quickly as possible.
Displaced from the city itself and lacking authority to direct others, Mayor Nagin never stood a chance to demonstrate his leadership style.
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
In January 2004, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco became the first woman to hold the office of Governor of Louisiana. Certainly Governor Blanco had more resources than Mayor Nagin at her disposal, but once again here role seemed more of advocate than leader.
While the Governor demonstrated her empathy for the victims of Hurricane Katrina with her tearful speeches, and announcing a "Day of Prayer," it is doubtful the history books will remember her as a leader in the days following Katrina. As commander-in-chief of the Louisiana National Guard she arguably had enough resources at her disposal to make an impact. Like Mayor Nagin, Governor Blanco remained in the role of advocate for New Orleans and, for whatever reason, remained in that role and never took the opportunity to demonstrate her leadership abilities.
Head of FEMA Michael D. Brown
Michael Brown is charged with leading federal disaster response and recovery operations and the coordination of disaster activities such as those associated with Hurricane Katrina. He has at his disposal more than two dozen federal agencies and departments as well as the American Red Cross. Even more so than Governor Blanco, Michael Brown had a clear opportunity to take charge and step up into a leadership role.
There is no doubt that the response seen from FEMA will be the subject of a federal investigation later this year. Until then, we should all reserve our judgment of Michael Brown's reaction to Katrina. At the very least, this hurricane uncovered the lack of a robust natural disaster recovery unit here in the United States of America. From a leadership standpoint, Michael Brown may have missed an opportunity to shine.
President George W. Bush
In the days following 9/11, President George W. Bush was a pillar of strength and a role model of leadership during that crisis. You can be critical of his decisions and subsequent actions, but the fact remains that in the days following that event, his speeches calmed America and many looked to him to lead us out of that darkness.
His entire reaction to Hurricane Katrina might best be explained by his remarks on Good Morning America when he said "I don't think anyone anticipated the breach of the levees." This is an interesting remark in light of the fact that many have know about this danger for years.
In reality, the breach of the levees has been a probabilistic risk the City of New Orleans assumed ever since the Army Corp of Engineers built the levees to Category 3 Hurricane specifications. So for the last 40 years, the reality of a levee breach was possible, although many thought it would never happen. Perhaps this is what the President meant to say.
It is unfortunate that President Bush did not react with the same sense of urgency to Katrina as he did in the days following 9/11. With that it will be interesting to see how kind the history books are to President Bush. Will he be remembered for his reaction to 9/11 or will that be overshadowed by Hurricane Katrina? Did he miss one last opportunity to show the American public his true character or was this really his defining moment?
About the Author - Demonstrating Genuine Leadership
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