Week 11 Flashcards
When reading the Greenstein chapter, be sure to note the defining characteristics of “hidden-hand” leadership.
Characteristics
Subtlety: Hidden-hand leaders prefer to work behind the scenes, subtly shaping outcomes without drawing attention to themselves. They often operate in the background, orchestrating events without being conspicuous.
Indirect Influence: Rather than issuing explicit commands or instructions, hidden-hand leaders prefer to influence decisions and actions indirectly. They might use persuasion, suggestion, or manipulation to guide others towards desired outcomes.
focus on building trust and empowering others.
Qualities
Military Background: Eisenhower’s background as a military leader, particularly as a five-star general during World War II, instilled in him a strategic mindset and an understanding of the importance of long-term planning. His experience in managing complex operations and diverse teams likely influenced his preference for indirect influence and behind-the-scenes orchestration.
He cared a lot about his public image
Calm
-Eisenhower refusing to grasp what the media. He would rather lie or be ambiguous.
Costs or Risks of Hidden hand
While it may permit the president to achieve what would be a controversial outcome without backlash, it also has intrinsic limitations in situations where the object of influence can best be persuaded if he thinks the action urged on him is one the president wants him to take.
What do President Reagan’s diaries reveal about his cognitive and emotional state? They are, in fact, a source of “primary data.” Would you have any concerns about using them as such?
Clarity of Thought: Reagan’s diaries often demonstrate a clarity of thought, especially regarding his political goals and strategies. He maintained a keen focus on his conservative principles and goals for the country.
Emotional Resilience: Despite the challenges he faced, such as the assassination attempt in 1981 and various political controversies, Reagan often exhibited emotional resilience in his diary entries. He frequently expressed determination and optimism, even during difficult times.
He would make jokes
Confidence: Reagan’s diaries reveal a high level of confidence in his decision-making abilities and in the direction, he was taking the country. He rarely expressed doubt or indecision in his entries.
Emotional Depth: While Reagan was known for his affable demeanor and optimism, his diaries also offer glimpses of deeper emotional experiences. He occasionally expressed frustration, disappointment, or sadness, particularly in response to setbacks or personal challenges.
Memory: Reagan’s diaries provide some insights into his memory function. He often recorded details of meetings, events, and conversations, indicating a relatively strong memory despite his advancing age during his presidency.
What is “Trusteeship” politics, and to what extent was it a response to the era? And what made good sense – and what didn’t -
President Carter interpreted his representational role as that of the trustee- an official entrusted to represent the public or national interest, downplaying short-term electoral consideration
The style of the trustee emphasizes independence over strict instructions. And the method is more integrative than segmental, that is, it favors comprehensive approaches rather than issue-by-issue treatments.
In popular parlance, the trustee’s preference is
for “doing what’s right, not what’s political”- a preference commonly attributed to Jimmy Carter.
About the ways in which Carter organized congressional liaison
1., the president’s own association with liaison activities was based on his personal motivations. He was available as a resource but was unlikely very often to manage those activities directly.
2., he selected a person to head the unit more on the basis of his needs than on the basis of congressional needs. Any president would do so- but Carter viewed his purposes as strikingly
different from those of Congress.
3., he permitted the liaison unit to organize as it saw fit, which was initially a reaction to his issue orientation.
Later, but not much later, the House lobbyists organized to accommodate the members’ district orientation.
4., Moore’s position developed as lhal of intermediary between his staff and the Oval Office, thereby facilitating access that might not have existed had the liaison chief been more congressionally directed.
5. there was a special for eign and defense policy lobbyist, which suited the president’s emerging interest in these areas.
Carter
No congressional experience
Entered presidential politics with a pall over presidendy. Nixons resignation in 1974, fords pardon of nixon. (Fords was 71% before and 30% over a few months)
Trusteship
Focus; national
Style: Independece
Methods: Integrated/ comprehensive
