“What Hangs in the Balance equips each of us to be better leaders, to insist on better leaders, and to take greater responsibility for our remarkable American experiment.”

The Book

What Hangs in the Balance

offers a clear-minded analysis of core leadership traits and competencies essential for success in both public and private sector organizations. In a time when exceptional leadership is more crucial than ever, this book explores the nuances of leadership primarily through the actions and social media posts of former President Trump as both an example of failed leadership at the top, and, in several instances, principled and courageous stewardship underneath from those who elected to push back in deference to their higher values and oaths of office. In What Hangs in the Balance, readers will:

• Discover why traits such as humility, empathy, respect for dignity, and self-control are vital for effective leadership.
• Understand how trust and accountability are fostered through disciplined and ethical behavior.
• Differentiate between principled and unprincipled loyalty and see strategies to counter undue influence and abuse of authority.

The Author

Philippe Johnson

is a retired United States Air Force officer and advocate for principled and ethical leadership in public service. The son of a language teacher and career United States Army officer, he was raised in the United States, France, and Germany. During his twenty-four years on active duty, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson served as a fixed- and rotary-wing pilot, intelligence officer, and diplomat (military attaché). He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and earned his master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy.