The enduring impact of entertainer Dolly Parton‘s approach to leadership offers valuable lessons for elected officials, according to a recent opinion piece by local attorneys Scott Carey and Mark Chalos.
Parton, who passed away recently, is remembered for her unique blend of talent, heart, beauty, and business acumen. Her ability to be opinionated and vocal on sensitive issues like gay rights, women’s rights, COVID vaccines, and the Black Lives Matter movement, without alienating others, is highlighted as a key leadership trait. Parton’s generosity extended to donating millions to various causes, often supporting those overlooked by society. In contrast, the authors note that many elected political leaders struggle to address issues, even when hired to do so.
Authenticity as a Leadership Tool
Scott Carey points to Parton’s authenticity as a fundamental leadership quality. Despite her public image, she was open about her humble beginnings in rural East Tennessee and never forgot her roots. This stands in stark contrast to politicians who, according to Carey, are often shaped by handlers, polls, and focus groups, dictating their words and actions. Instead of speaking from core values, these politicians may alter their presentation to connect with voters and secure election, a tactic Parton did not employ.
Parton, the article states, was consistently herself, comfortable in her own skin, which naturally drew people to her. Politicians often focus on scoring political points and winning arguments, while Parton was beloved for building trust and treating everyone with dignity. Her actions, characterized by generosity, demonstrated her commitment to helping those in need. This approach allowed her to take stances on difficult topics without incurring the level of backlash that often engulfs elected officials, as people trusted her motives even when they disagreed with her specific positions.
Servant Leadership and Empathy
Mark Chalos elaborates on Parton’s approach, likening it to servant leadership. He suggests Parton operated with profound empathy for her fans and community, viewing them not as a means to personal gain but as integral to her success. This recognition that her career was built on fan support informed her continued focus on delivering for them.
Chalos contrasts this with the perspective of many politicians, who he argues have lost sight of their role as servants to their communities. Instead of being driven by community support, some politicians may view constituents as individuals to be managed or even misled to maintain their positions. Worse, some politicians may disregard those who disagree with them, seeing them as irrelevant or even as enemies, despite being elected to represent the entire community.
The article suggests that too few politicians view themselves as servants, with their communities existing primarily to serve their political ambitions. Dolly Parton, through her actions, demonstrated a legacy of service over self-interest. She consistently showed up for people because she genuinely cared, whether through funding childhood literacy with her Imagination Library, offering financial support after the Gatlinburg wildfires, or donating to COVID vaccine research. Her leadership, rooted in humility and followed by action, proved that strong convictions and speaking one’s mind can coexist with uniting people, provided motives are rooted in love rather than self-interest.
Parton’s lyrics, “barely gettin’ by, it’s all takin’ and no givin’,” are cited as a poignant, though potentially workplace-related, commentary that resonates with the current political climate. The piece concludes by suggesting it might be time for politicians to shift their focus from personal gain to serving their constituents.
