LETTERS.

LEADERSHIP CHALLENGED

To the Editor:

In my book, the true test of leadership is time--an ability to effect meaningful, lasting change in some field of human endeavor and endure as a leader. As a former believer in Newt Gingrich's agenda, I find his prominent presence in your conference puzzling ("Leadership Challenges at the Castle House," CE: March 2000). The man came in and burned huge political capital on what...eliminating public television? Then, he proceeded to burn what little capital remained in his possession by viciously attacking a popular president, instead of letting the media do the dirty work of impeachment. Like Bill Clinton, who squandered his political capital on gays in the military, trying to socialize medicine, and his legacy on promiscuity, Newt belongs in the category of failed ideologue rather than prophetic leader. Had he used his considerable leadership skills effectively, the Congress would not be in danger of falling into the hands of Dick Gephardt next November.

The remaining "leaders" listed in your article are men (all of them) of great accomplishment in industry and academia, but they hardly represent anyone I or millions like me--men and women of different ethnic and racial extraction--would look up to for guidance into the future. Had it not been for the text, I could have easily mistaken the pictures for those of a dinner following a Burning Tree Club golf outing, and not a conference of contemporary leaders.

What is it with folks from the "mainstream" that they so intractably and consistently exclude demographic reality from their radar screens?

Armando C. Chapelli, Jr.

President

Washington Consulting Group

Bethesda, MD

BIGGER DOESN'T MEAN BETTER

To the Editor:

I have long appreciated the value of Chief Executive and read it faithfully upon its arrival at my office. The information is always of the highest quality and I have learned much through the years as a result of my subscription.

Regarding the ballot entitled "Who Should be 2000's Chief Executive of the Year?" in a recent issue, I recognize and value the contributions that each of the previous winners made to the success of their own organizations and to Corporate America at large. I feel compelled, however, to raise the following issue. The foundation of Corporate America is built upon the small businessman. Across this nation, there are small businesses and the affiliated leadership that deserve recognition and coverage of accomplishments too numerous to mention.

To assume that only large cap companies have anything to offer that would interest your readers is, I believe, an error. Large companies, such as those covered in Chief Executive, are just small companies that grew up and the seeds of success reside in CEO offices and boardrooms of small businesses all over the country.

Again, thank you for the continued high quality of your publication. I submit this letter strictly to suggest that occasional coverage and recognition of smaller organizations would also be appreciated.

Ronald D. Hunter

Chairman, President and CEO

Standard Management Corp.

Indianapolis, IN