1998 College graduate David Aidekman has worked hard to make himself a key leader in the U.S. government, and yesterday he shared his leadership experience with Penn students.
The former Homeland Security Department policy and plans director attributes his successes to valuable lessons in leadership he has acquired in his college and career experiences.
Aidekman asserted there are "too many efforts and not enough instances of success in leadership."
In his presentation, he provided a checklist of the leadership skills he felt were most essential for success.
First and foremost, he instructed attendees to have a vision and act on it.
"Leaders have to know what they want to do, and they have to do it," Aidekman said. "All too often we confuse leaders with having a certain rank or being in charge of a certain group of people. Real leadership is knowing what you want to do and doing it."
Aidekman also stressed the importance of being in the arena of leadership as opposed to on the side.
Citing a speech by former President Theodore Roosevelt, Aidekman said that critics stand on the side and point; leaders are the ones in the middle.
Optimism, he asserted, is another key characteristic of good leadership.
"You don't see pessimists or cynics in leadership positions. It just doesn't happen," he said.
Leaders must feel they can make a difference.
Aidekman also noted his beliefs that President Bush is optimistic that worldwide democracy is within reach and that he can help defeat terrorism.
In acknowledging that some people are upset with Bush, Aidekman noted that Bush exemplifies another characteristic of good leadership: willingness to be unpopular.
This trait may present a challenge, but all leaders face opposition.
During the creation of the Homeland Security Department, "when we were reconfiguring the federal government," Aidekman noted, "people were finding themselves losing power and many were unhappy with us." Yet, he insists that good leaders must stick to their goals.
In closing, Aidekman cited George Washington's role in the American Revolution, recalling that, "Washington looked and acted the part." His imposing stature and "crisp uniform" gave Washington an air of confidence that people respected, Aidekman said.
Attendees were pleased with the event.
"It's good to see a young person having such a positive influence on our government" said College freshman Kellen Coppola.
Rachael Dean, also a College freshman, agreed.
"It was great to see a Penn graduate doing something I want to do."
