Entrepreneur and investor Reid Hoffman, who is well-known on LinkedIn, frequently shares his thoughts on leadership and politics on a variety of platforms. He makes some noteworthy observations, one of which is that political leaders act differently before and after taking office.
Hoffman notes that when someone is running for office, they may say anything to garner support or attention, even if it is extreme or goes against significant laws and regulations. It's similar to a chef preparing food for a competition; instead of concentrating on what makes a dish genuinely delicious, ingredients and cooking methods may be stretched to the limit to produce something visually appealing.
However, a person's role drastically changes once they are elected president. They are expected to uphold the fundamental values of the nation and carefully adhere to established guidelines. The Constitution lays out precise guidelines for the rights of individuals and the proper operation of the government. It seems like the winner of the competition now has to serve food that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also meets a set of requirements to guarantee that everyone will like it.
This change emphasizes the value of honesty and accountability in leadership positions, particularly with regard to upholding legal frameworks intended to safeguard citizens' rights. After assuming official positions, Hoffman's viewpoint encourages leaders to think about how their actions fit with long-term commitments.