The Observer
It’s disheartening when those entrusted with leadership lose sight of their purpose. Public office is meant to be a platform for service—to uplift, listen, and act in the best interest of the people. Yet too often, power warps priorities. Instead of humility, there’s arrogance; instead of collaboration, intimidation. Advice is ignored until plans crumble, and by then, trust has already begun to erode.
What hurts most is witnessing the slow unraveling. When leaders prioritize self-interest over service, they risk becoming isolated. People stop offering guidance, not out of malice, but resignation. They step back, watching as the leader doubles down on harmful choices. It’s a tragic moment of realization: How did I let this happen? But by then, the damage is done. Integrity, once lost, is hard to rebuild. Relationships fracture, and the very community they were meant to serve no longer believes in their capacity to lead.
This isn’t just about failure—it’s about forgetting the humanity of leadership. True service requires empathy, accountability, and the courage to admit mistakes. Without these, even the most “enviable” position becomes a hollow title. Let it be a reminder: power is temporary, but the impact of our choices—for better or worse—lingers long after.
