Leadership means serving for the public good.

In today's rapidly changing global society, cultivating next-generation leaders is a major challenge for many companies and organizations. This time, we spoke with Ambassador Kurt Volker, Executive Director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University, which operates an ambitious leadership development program.

Anyone can become an excellent leader, regardless of position.

 

What image comes to mind when you hear "leader"? In many countries and cultures, leaders are equated with powerful figures in high positions, and people are expected to follow them. However, at the McCain Institute, we believe "anyone, regardless of position, can be a leader." Whether someone is at the top of an organization or holds no position at all, they can take on responsibility.

Founded in 2013 as a "do tank" (a think tank focused on action), the McCain Institute was established to collaborate with and develop global leaders. Beyond leadership development programs, we continuously expand our scope into humanitarian aid, human rights, security, and the rule of law, working to develop and implement actionable programs. For example, in North Kivu Province, Congo, we are implementing a project to establish the conditions for democratic elections. Regarding human trafficking, the Institute advocates for strengthening the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. It takes action-oriented approaches, such as passing legislation, raising public awareness, developing software to help judicial authorities quickly locate victims, and contributing to victim rescue efforts.

The organization was named after its founder, Senator McCain. I myself was invited by Senator McCain, an old acquaintance, to join in February 2012 during the conceptual phase and currently serve as Executive Director.

Now, what is the most important thing for a leader? It is "service." Serving the common public purpose over one's own interests. Leaders must act for the public good. And I believe it is crucial to serve those who need it most. It is easy to avoid difficult problems simply because they are difficult, but it is precisely serving people and demonstrating leadership amidst numerous challenges that matters. If you commit to this wholeheartedly, you can make a significant difference. This is our leadership philosophy.

Developing Unique Programs with a Global Perspective

 

The key to developing leaders is first teaching the correct concepts of leadership. Since these concepts aren't intuitively understood, we must establish the right foundation from the start. Second, teaching both good and bad examples drawn from real-world events. Third is active learning. We give students problems and let them solve them themselves. While we provide some coaching, discussion, and advice during this process, it's crucial that students maintain a sense of ownership throughout. Based on this approach to leadership development, we launched the McCain Institute's unique "Next Generation Leadership Program." Each year, we select approximately 10 next-generation leaders from around the world, each with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and potential. They refine their individual leadership action plans while working at companies and institutions selected from across the United States, tailored to their career paths, future goals, and plans. Concurrently, there is joint training for all program participants. This includes, for example, four annual sessions focusing on values, leadership, media, and communication.

The program also supports networking by providing opportunities to hear directly from and participate in forums with outstanding leaders from U.S. political, business, and civil society circles. In the program starting September 2015, participants met with Howard Schultz, one of Starbucks' de facto founders; former New York City Mayor Giuliani; and the chairman of a global media company. Finally, each participant presents their Leadership Action Plan to Institute staff, experts, and other stakeholders, concluding the one-year program before returning to their home countries.

With Next Generation Leadership Program participants (August 2016)

 

Toward a society where shared core human values are respected

 

The concept of this Next Generation Leadership Program is investing in people. It is based on the belief that everyone has the potential to bring about change in the world and become an outstanding leader. What matters is not just investing in participants' development for one year, but ensuring they maintain connections as a group afterward. It is about establishing a global network of outstanding leaders with diverse backgrounds and expertise, yet united by a shared responsibility toward humanity's core values and a shared role as agents of change. This becomes an investment in the future. Over the long term, this network should become a powerful means for bringing about positive change.

The society we aim to realize through this program is one where leadership is exercised, where core human values like human rights, freedom, and democracy are respected, and where the concept of service is demonstrated through action. We hope the leaders who participate in this program will permeate and uphold these values within their respective societies.