Photo by Jeremy Pardoe

I found the fact Republicans used the expression “leading from behind” as an epithet against President Obama’s strategy for dealing with Libya befuddling.  The highest praise I have ever given a student leader was that he lead from behind.  The entire campus felt his impact without an endless stream of self-promotion.  Like a good shepherd, my advisee nudged people towards progress.  He enabled them to be their best selves.  Surely any good leader does the same.  Muammar Ghaddafi and megalomaniacs throughout time insist upon standing center stage and screaming at the world to do what is best for his (and occasionally her) hold on wealth and power.  Ghaddafi – all bullies - exercises a form of leadership, but few would call it good.