Talk of the Nation, the National Public Radio (NPR) live call-in show, aired a segment last week about the numerous online surveys designed to line respondents up with their ideal political candidates based on a series of questions on key issues. Segment guest and Chicago Tribune columnist, Eric Zorn published a January 8th column about his experiences with the surveys. Though Zorn considers himself an Obama supporter, surveys matched him with Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Writes Zorn, “Kucinich and I apparently line up on a significant number of issues but, honestly, there’s no spark between us. No magic.”
The NPR segment was filled with calls from listeners who had very similar experiences. Another Obama supporter said that she was surprised to find herself idealistically aligned with candidate Ron Paul while only marginally aligned with Obama.
The consensus among the guests: When it comes to leadership, chemistry matters more than substance.
That this is true should come as a surprise to no one. What is surprising is just how much chemistry matters. Politics has for decades shown that candidates can have the right answers (at least the answers that test well) on critical issues but lose in a landslide. Are we so swayed by personality that we only think we agree on substance? Yup.
Malcolm Gladwell explores this contrast of thought and behavior in his bestseller, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. In it Gladwell discusses what he calls the Warren Harding era, a time when a handsome and imposing man was elected President of the United States despite a distinct lack of skills and experience. Voters fully believed, despite evidence to the contrary, that he was the candidate best positioned and prepared to run the country. But really, claims Gladwell, they liked the way he looked and they liked the way his appearance made them feel — happy and secure.
Leadership impression, more than perhaps anything, affects one’s influence. A leader who resonates with the values and beliefs held by their “constituents” best resonates with the group. Does this make them most prepared? No. Does this make them the best leader? Absolutely not. But does it make them the most attractive? Yes. For the time being.
So what’s the take away of this story? Leaders only resonate with those they lead so long as they continue to keep those they lead feeling happy and secure. This can only be maintained through action — actions that uphold the values and beliefs held by those they lead and that keep those they lead feeling happy and secure. As much as impression can be an entry point to leadership, it is also an exit point. The same leader who once was seen as “put together” and “clean cut” becomes — in the face of inaction or inappropriate action — “slick” and “too good to be true.”
Impressions based on appearance and association may open the door. But it’s only acting in the best interest of those you lead that keeps the door from slamming in your face.
