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THE QUESTION
George W. Bush as a Leader
What have been President Bush's strengths as a political leader, as a world leader and chief executive of the federal government?
Posted by Ben Bradlee and Steve Pearlstein on January 5, 2009 10:37 AM
FROM THE PANEL
What Did I See In Him?
When I interviewed him in 2000, he impressed me. Looking back, I see now I didn't ask the right questions.
Posted by Alan M. Webber, on January 7, 2009 2:57 PM
If Nothing Else, We've Been Safe
President Bush's overall greatest achievement was that America has not suffered another 9/11 tragedy.
Posted by Norm R. Augustine, on January 7, 2009 10:19 AM
Perversely Beneficial
It was Bush 43 who made possible the election of Barack Obama, and for that we should thank him.
Posted by Warren Bennis, on January 7, 2009 10:11 AM
Diversity Leadership
I credit President Bush with hastening the demise of the "stale, pale, male" image of leaders in America, particularly in appointing Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice as Secretaries of State.
Posted by Joanne B. Ciulla, on January 6, 2009 12:06 PM
Successful Operating Style
Bush and his administration were devoted to their ideas, had a clear agenda, and used all avenues to accomplish them, but they were often more ideological than results driven.
Posted by Andy Stern, on January 6, 2009 12:02 PM
Decisions Without Reflection
Though sometimes mocked, Bush's description of himself as the chief "decider" captured a willingness to make tough decisions. Yet even the best decisions, when unreviewed, can become the worst mistakes.
Posted by Michael Useem, on January 6, 2009 11:52 AM
Reaganesque Fortitude?
Like President Reagan, Bush stuck to a course of action through adversity. On some key policy choices, however, he may have been absolutely wrong from the start.
Posted by Roger Martin, on January 6, 2009 11:46 AM
The Treachery of Hubris
Leaders throughout history, including George W. Bush, have failed when they became bloated with an exaggerated sense of self, pursuing their own ends, seemingly oblivious to the voices of others or the situation around them.
Posted by Barry Posner, on January 6, 2009 11:40 AM
It Didn't Have to End This Way
He had the clarity of vision and buoyant optimism a great leader needs. Sadly, his greatest strengths betrayed him and became his glaring weaknesses.
Posted by Jim Kouzes, on January 6, 2009 11:12 AM
Unanswered Questions
He had many strengths as a leader -- an affable personality combined with a stubborn will -- but his actions in the long run may cost us all dearly.
Posted by Michael Maccoby, on January 6, 2009 11:05 AM
Optimism, Persistence and Loyalty
He had many failings, but he also demonstrated these three important leadership qualities.
Posted by Jeffrey Pfeffer, on January 6, 2009 10:53 AM
Two Good Traits
Failures aside, Bush's patience in Iraq, as well as his flexibility in addressing the financial crisis, have both been hallmarks of good presidential leadership.
Posted by Steven Pearlstein, on January 6, 2009 10:36 AM
Stubborn -- Or Courageous?
Whatever you think of Bush's decisions, the president demonstrated clarity. What some call stubbornness may also be seen as courage.
Posted by John H. Cochran, MD, on January 6, 2009 10:25 AM
Underestimated Strengths
His best virtues were honesty, loyalty and respect for others, while his single-minded focus on the Middle East and on keeping America safe from further attack will only be fully appreciated in the future.
Posted by Bob Schoultz, on January 5, 2009 11:52 AM
So "Right," So Wrong
He did what he thought was right and stuck to that course of action -- to a fault.
Posted by Marshall Goldsmith, on January 5, 2009 11:07 AM
Spectacular Success and Failure
He got some things right -- the initial Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns, his own reelection, and the Iraq surge -- but others disastrously wrong.
Posted by Slade Gorton, on January 5, 2009 10:59 AM
Outstanding Leadership on HIV/AIDS
From the point of view of an African child born free of HIV, George W. Bush is a great leader.
Posted by Kurt Schmoke, on January 5, 2009 10:54 AM
Strong Start That Fizzled
George W. Bush enacted his tax cut with bipartisan support, set a clear management agenda and sent the right signals after 9/11 -- then his leadership went downhill.
Posted by David Walker, on January 5, 2009 10:50 AM
Failure, With a Few Good Points
Faint praise aside, Bush must take the blame and be recorded as a failed leader.
Posted by Howard Gardner, on January 5, 2009 10:39 AM
FEATURED COMMENTS
caringmale69: W probably is a good man (I don't know him personally) but he had no business being the president of the United States. He spoke folksy and ...
bob29: Setting aside the results that were achieved (or not in many cases) Bush did exhibit some of what I consider to be good leadership skills. ...
LTC-11A: The word "leadership" should never be included in any phrase referencing George Bush.
But, rather words like: corruptive, powerless, un-edu...
