Restoring Public Trust: Fostering Leaders Committed to the Common Good
Restoring public trust has become paramount in an era of skepticism and cynicism toward institutions. Analyzing datasets from the 1970s to the present, UC Berkeley political scientists in the study, "Fifty Years of Declining Confidence & Increasing Polarization in Trust in American Institutions," published in the Daedalus journal, reveal a growing distrust for political (Presidency, Congress, Supreme Court, etc.) and nonpolitical (media, education, public schools, medicine, religion, law, etc.) institutions. Further, the distrust manifests along partisan lines, resulting in greater trust in "business, the police, religion, and the military" among Republicans compared to more confidence in "labor, the press, science, higher education, and public schools" among Democrats. The partisan divide, social mistrust, and overall decline in public trust in our nation's institutions underscore the pressing need for identifying, selecting, and promoting leaders whose dedication to the common good transcends personal and political gain. As public trust wanes, the fabric of societal cohesion weakens, emphasizing the urgency of this collective endeavor.
Data shared in the above-referenced study lay bare a disturbing trend of declining confidence in institutions over the past five decades. The erosion of public trust is not confined to a specific domain but has infiltrated various spheres of society. This decline is particularly concerning as it impedes effective governance, collaborative problem-solving, and the overall well-being of individuals, communities, and the nation.
The remedy lies in identifying and nurturing leaders prioritizing the public or common good in theory and practice. This approach ensures that individuals with unwavering commitments to creating real-world impacts that benefit the majority rather than the privileged few steer public, private, and social institutions. Such leaders can serve as beacons of integrity and accountability, gradually reinstating faith in the systems they represent.
The real-world impact of leaders dedicated to the common good is undeniable. They can foster a sense of interconnectedness by identifying and adapting ideas that benefit the many rather than the few to address today's most pressing challenges in collaboration across domains. Their actions resonate far beyond organizational boundaries, sowing the seeds of a more unified world. A society built on mutual trust is more resilient, innovative, and capable of navigating complex global challenges. The significance of this collective effort cannot be overstated; it paves the way for the actualization of the lofty ideal of "one humanity."
In the journey toward a more interconnected world, the transformation of leadership norms and how we measure success is pivotal. Encouraging leaders to channel their ambitions and aspirations toward broader societal welfare fosters a culture of selflessness and cooperation. This shift in perspective can reshape institutions from within, infusing them with renewed purpose and relevance.
The decline of public trust in various institutions poses a significant challenge to societal harmony and progress. The solution lies in deliberately selecting and promoting leaders who champion the common good over personal and political gains. The empirical evidence gathered from the UC Berkeley-led study highlights the urgency of this paradigm shift. By embracing leaders committed to fostering real-world impacts that serve the greatest good for the greatest number, we restore faith in our institutions and pave the way for a more interconnected and harmonious world – a world united by our shared pursuit of a better future for individuals, nations, and the planet.
I’d love to hear from others about your work for the common good. Everyone. Everywhere. All at Once. That's how we #buildbackbetter.