Leadership in Action: Issues and Observations - Principle-Driven Conflicts

Issues & Observations: Principle-Driven Conflicts

Wilfred H. Drath

Leadership is a process we frequently use to bridge differences, to solve problems constructively. But leadership often fails to resolve conflicts and solve problems rooted in principles. In America's past, for example, cherished principles on either side were set against each other in the Civil War. Problem solving was done the old-fashioned way: war. More recently, powerful principles clashed in the civil struggle over the war in Vietnam. The scars linger. Equally noble principles support either side in the rancorous standoff over abortion. The stalemate over gays in the military was likewise a result of principled points of view. In all these cases, our ability to solve the ...