Politics today often feels like theatre — surface over substance. We see leaders rewarded for sharp soundbites, meme-worthy moments, or the ability to rally “their base.” But beneath the show, something deeper is at play.

Jonathan Haidt, in The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion, explains why politics splits us.

People aren’t led by logic first — we’re guided by intuition. Our values — care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity, and liberty — form the foundations of how we see the world.

The problem? Different groups emphasize these foundations differently. That’s why so often, leaders and citizens end up talking past each other.

Here’s the catch: to truly qualify to lead, one must be able to bridge these moral worlds. It’s not about degrees or clever speeches.

• It’s about recognizing that every “side” holds valid values.
• It’s about shifting from rallying a tribe to inspiring a nation.

In Haidt’s words, we’re part chimp (individual self-interest) and part bee (capable of remarkable group cooperation). A qualified leader knows how to balance both — protecting freedom while fostering unity.

The true test of leadership isn’t in promises shouted from a stage. It’s in creating alignment between people, systems, and shared purpose. Without that, governance becomes an endless spin cycle of division.

So, what really qualifies someone to lead a country?

The ability to see past the theatre and guide us into alignment. Not just with what they say, but with what they do.

Strategic Reflection Prompt

What moral foundations do you see emphasized (or ignored) by today’s leaders, and how does that shape your trust in them?

In every country — and in every business — there’s one powerful question that reveals whether leadership is truly qualified to move people forward. It’s not asked on debate stages or boardroom tables.

It’s the question we explore together in a Clarity Conversation™ — the moment where surface noise falls away and alignment begins.