Discussion: Leadership & U.S. Society
Leadership and Civic Life
Reflect on the role and value of effective leadership in U.S. government and U.S. society at large.
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Introduction
Earlier you watched videos of both Presidential Reflections on Leadership and Congressional Reflections on Leadership. Now you will debrief what you’ve learned from those videos with your groupmates.
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Select a note-taker and a presenter within your group, then discuss the questions below. When you are done, your presenter will share your reflections with the rest of the class.
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Next Up:
Next Up:
Several comments from members of Congress stress the necessity of compromise and working with others—even those who disagree with you—if you want to get things done.
Think about the role of compromise, teamwork, and civility in leadership. Do you agree that these are important aspects of leadership? Why or why not?
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Do you think compromise, teamwork, and civility are necessary for the healthy functioning of government? Why or why not?
What other civic dispositions and/or leadership abilities, skills, and behaviors do you think are necessary for the healthy functioning of government? Why?
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Now think of U.S. society broadly. Not all Americans serve in the government, but all of us are part of a single large organization known as “U.S. society,” and we all play a part in steering its course.
As members of U.S. society, what civic dispositions and/or leadership abilities, skills, and behaviors do you think are necessary for the healthy functioning of U.S. society in general?