PHYLLIS YOUNG - Contemporary Public Leader (TRUMP)

Betty Ford’s leadership was revolutionary with the interest of the common and disadvantaged population. This is because Mrs. Ford was always willing to help and be a voice for the inferior individuals in society. Her leadership was revolutionary because she went against all odds as First Lady by advocating for equal rights for men and women. She was able to gain the trust of many Americans because they felt that she was genuine, had a concern for them and that she was good person. Up until this time, most First Ladies supported their husband’s policies, but Mrs. Ford created her own objective. Authentic leader use their life experiences to help themselves and other around them. She helped many women who were diagnosed with cancer by declaring that she suffered from breast cancer and detailed her treatment process. Given the amount of women who are affected by breast cancer, she was courageous by involving herself in the cause and bringing it to the forefront of the nation. She gave hope and encouragement to other women suffering from breast cancer and promoting a campaign for women to seek screening and treatment of breast cancer with their doctors. Mrs. Ford’s leadership was also revolutionary because contrary to both men and women, she revealed that she was addicted to alcohol. She sought treatment for alcoholism and she established the nonprofit Betty Ford Center to help addicts recover from multiple drug addictions. Mrs. Ford also helped changed Americans view and opinions on social topics such as abortion, premarital sex, and equality. She spoke up, stayed true to her core beliefs and did not waiver from her truths.

There are several ways through her leadership that Mrs. Ford can be described as authentic. First, through her leadership she advocated for the welfare of all people including minorities and women. Secondly, she led by example as witnessed by the description of how she was treated for breast cancer and admitting she was addicted to alcohol. This was not heard of during this period of time as it was humiliating to admit as a man but especially as a woman. Lastly, she helped to create equality and awareness through her leadership by creating the nonprofit Betty Ford Center to help alcoholics and other drug addicts to overcome their addiction. She publicly acknowledged that she had an addiction and that it was not abnormal. She did not hide her struggles, but came out and explained how she was suffering and how she overcame the suffering, she was authentic in her leadership.

Grading Guide     Contemporary Leadership - Individual Week 4