Wael Ghonim has demonstrated something extremely special through his emergence as a face of leadership within the movement currently underway in Egypt. While the regular news pundits are trying to explain and simplify what they hear in the words of this man, the inescapable truth of this man is not his simplicity, but his complexity.
While watching his interview on CNN, I couldn’t help but feel tears welling up in my eyes as I felt the passion in his words:
Do you see what I see?
- Inspiration – the ability to share a vision of something that resonates with the Egyptian people – in fact the basic truth of mutual respect and the ethical base of the well-being of the common man.
- Individual Consideration – a commitment to the well being of others and the utter disgust at the lives lost in the process. He seeks what we all seek – to live a life fulfilled. He is representing the belief that all have the inalienable right to pursuit of happiness. The rights of self-determination and freedom are reinforced again and again. I can’t help but believe that Thomas Jefferson would be proud and moved by the merits of this revolution.
- Intellectual stimulation – this is a group of well educated individuals. It validates the power of education and the degree to which educated people are empowered by their knowledge. These revolutionary leaders are teachers. They are teaching the people of Egypt what it means to be proud of their country and engaged in the process of transformation.
- Idealized Influence – Wael notes that he is prepared to die for this cause. He offers the ultimate in search of the realization of a dream, not for himself, but for his country. He accurately describes himself as a patriot.
Like a true Level 5 leader, he reflects attention to the collaborative efforts of his followers. Inspired by their energy and attention, he directs everyone to those around him who are serving the aims of the people every day in Tahir Square and throughout the country.
It’s interesting that the political pundits caution us with claims that democracy “can’t happen that fast.” Like those who failed to predict the events of recent weeks, it is shortsighted to think that democracy can’t emerge quickly in a very different plugged-in world. I think we may be seeing the emergence of a new democracy – one that accepts the realities of the digital age and utilizes technology to accomplish in a fortnight what once took decades to establish. I believe that we will see democracy take root in Egypt far faster than any can comprehend. The impassioned and empowered youth of Egypt will allow nothing less.