America is facing the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. With millions of jobs gone and people’s hard-earned savings evaporating, America needs a bold economic stimulus package. What does good leadership in America look like now? We desperately need solid, ethical leadership not only from our government, but also from the media, from business, and from ordinary citizens. How can leaders across all sectors rise to the current challenge?

Obama’s stimulus plan stimulates the economy from the bottom up, creating or saving over 3 million jobs, averting hundreds of thousands of teacher layoffs, creating 500,000 green jobs, and offering affordable health insurance to the unemployed. Honest debate about the plan’s pros and cons is important in a democracy, and some of that has occurred, resulting in a stronger plan. At the same time, media talk show hosts and the millions they influence are spreading misinformation and playing partisan politics with the plan. Furthermore, executives who received government bailout money in 2008 used the money for their own bonuses and luxuries, oblivious to the needs of unemployed workers. These media and business leaders are fiddling while Rome burns, preoccupied with power plays and personal aggrandizement while more jobs disappear daily.

At this time of crisis, we need accountability for our leaders, accountability in business and the media as well as accountability in government. It’s important for legislators not to give in to the political game-playing of the media and business leaders who are trying to influence them, but instead, to hold them accountable. The longer the political games go on, the more Americans will suffer. In this moment of crisis, American leaders need to let go of ego and power plays in order to serve the people. If our leaders keep fiddling while Rome burns, we will go the way of the Roman Empire.

Margaret Benefiel, Ph.D., author of "Soul at Work” and "The Soul of a Leader", works with leaders in healthcare, business, churches, government and non-profits to help them stay true to their souls. Visit her website at www.ExecutiveSoul.com. © Copyright 2009 by Margaret Benefiel.