Leaders have a responsibility to comment positively on issues

I was just reading an article of political news, where one political leader was lamenting the possible abuse of 'free expression' of another political leader, specifically that the comments being made were being destructive, and not in the long term interests of either organisation.


It got me thinking about a comment one of them made, that "Leaders have a responsibility to comment positively on issues."

While I believe that both organisations have not been particularly strong on the leadership front lately and that neither have particularly lived this comment, I'm also not sure the politician fully understands the profundity of his statement. It is undoubtedly wise. 

No leader builds respect by being disparaging of another, and indeed, while you may not necessarily agree with a particular decision made by a leader, it remains noble to see the positive in the situation in the interests of those around you. Don't make the mistake of thinking that freedom of expression gives you the right to say whatever you want. Sure, it does, but it is so easy to abuse that right. Be aware that people are looking up to you, and an abuse of that right may forever taint the view that others have of your leadership. Make a positive contribution to the situation, and your leadership credentials will increase.  

Rudyard Kipling said that "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." That drug can be a downer, or an upper. You choose how to use it. Use it well.