If we take an honest look at the world, we can divide people into two categories: leaders and followers. Whether the military, professional world, church and even social media we can see a clear distinction between followers and leaders. In this post I will explore why our communities need better leaders, and what it takes to be a great one.
Before going any further let me be clear, there are two types of leadership, one which is deadly and destructive, and the other is helpful and constructive, Napoleon was a leader but his leadership was centred on personal ambition he didn’t really care about the wellbeing of French people, whereas Martin Luther King leadership was centred on serving the people he loved. This is the leadership style which I’m focused on.
I’ve always found myself in leadership positions, in school I was school counsellor from year 7 to 12. At university, I was ACS president and within my friendship groups, work and family, I’ve always been looked to as a leader at various points.
To me, leadership requires both talent and character. My friend Dayo once said talent will get you in the room, but your character is what will keep you there. My talent (skills) have put me in those positions and probably will continue to do so. But I realised I need to develop the character to sustain being in those positions.
Leadership has many definitions:
the action of leading a group of people or an organization.
the state or position of being a leader.
the leaders of an organization, country, etc.
Why we need leaders
Our communities are crying out for leaders. We are all aware of the problems facing our communities: knife crime, drug use, divorce, financial literacy, single parents and literacy levels. But instead of blaming the youth, we need to acknowledge the role we have played by not being better leaders for them. Whether you know it or not, people are looking towards you for leadership, you have the ability to show people what is possible, set a standard for them to live by, but you also have the ability to show them the wrong path and give them reasons for never respecting you. I know this sounds harsh but its the truth. So what will you do with that power?
I’ve mentioned it a couple of times, I was slightly oblivious to how many people were looking towards me, and I have slipped up many times. I wanted to be judged by my work, and allow allowances for my character at times. But it doesn’t work like that. I’ve broken the trust of people I’ve cared about, I have clashed with friends and family members. As ACS president I tried to rearrange a meeting so I could go on a date, the team were furious (they ruined my date too by turning up to the crib lol I can laugh about that now). In hindsight, I’ve realised they were disappointed because I was not carrying myself to the standard I should have.
I’m more conscious of how my actions can potentially affect others. By focusing on becoming a better leader, I can improve the lives of my family, friends and community.
I genuinely believe because of work ethic and certain skills I’ve attained, I will always be good. But it’s important I have my people around me. Therefore I need to make sure my character and worth ethic are where they should be so I can truly lead by example.
What does it take to become a Leader?
Your work is what will ultimately put you in a position of leadership. So before leadership, you need to master your craft. Once in a leadership position, your success as a leader will be determined by your ability to have people cooperate to a common goal. Their commitment to that goal will be down to your leadership skills; this is where character comes into play.
Sometimes, people may search for flaws in your character, and once they see it, it will be hard for them to listen to you. I know it seems harsh, but it’s the cost of leadership. But if your character is intact they will support you in all endeavours.
What Makes A Good Leaders
Wanting to be a better leader lead me down a path of searching for what makes a good leader. There are so many books on leadership, but a section by Major Bach captured in the Laws of Success really resonated with me (ps I recommend reading the whole book).
He states that leadership made up by a combination of qualities, with the following the most important: Self Confidence, Moral Ascendency, Self-sacrifice, Paternalism, Fairness, Initiative, Decision, Dignity and Courage. Below I give a short interpretation of each quality:
Self-Confidence
This may be the most important, you need to have confidence in what you’re speaking about and have the ability to share that knowledge. You might be able to bluff some people but not everyone. And once people realise, all respect will be done. People may respect the position, but more importantly than that people respect knowledge. We are in a time where people can get away with talking, but unless you really know what you’re doing, it’s only a matter of time before you get exposed. Want to be a leader in a particular field? First try and master that field. There is no substitute for accurate knowledge. Strive to become so well informed that people will seek you for guidance.
It’s also important to learn how to speak without embarrassment. Your work can speak for you but is also important for people to trust your words.
Moral Ascendency
While self-confidence is based on what you know, moral ascendency is about doing the right thing. Leadership demands self-control, no matter what happens you need to remain consistent. Emotions can make us act in ways that we can’t take back.
You need to be above reproach, I know it’s not easy, but it’s the cost of leadership. There will be people out there waiting for you to slip and once you do they will try and use it to destroy everything you have built.
You are also expected to be the example, you don’t need to preach to them, show them through your actions. Live the life you would have them lead and you will be shocked how many will follow you.
Self-Sacrifice
This goes without saying, self-sacrifice is a key component of leadership. You will be expected to give all the time. You may be expected to give resources, supporting people in times of need, mentally you will need to show empathy to others. At times financial resources may be required, sometimes you will get this back but most of the time you won’t.
Paternalism
You will be expected to carefully watch for people comfort and well being. You will need to put their needs ahead of yours. Essentially acting at their parent while not impacting their self-respect.
Fairness
Treat people fairly, regardless of your relationship with them. This doesn’t mean treating everyone the same we are not all alike, understand each person you’re dealing with and treat them accordingly. Reward people for the work they’ve done don’t try to claim the recognition like it was all you.
Initiative
Initiative is that quality that makes one do what needs to be done without being told to do it. I’ve seen leadership make people lazy. So many people want to give orders and not do work, but more people will respect you more when they see you taking the initiative to do what needs to be done
Decision
The ability to make the right decisions comes with the territory: you need to have the strength to make the right choices.
Dignity
You need to have a certain amount of personal dignity. This is what will prevent you in acting in any way that you shouldn’t. First level is not getting caught, real leadership is not doing it period. Personal dignity also means that you hold yourself to a higher standard than people could ever.
Courage
Courage is the firmness of choices while fully understanding the risk involved. You need to have the courage to stand on your words, but also the ability to own your mistakes. When the successes were coming it’s easy to own them. But when the failures come you need to have the same energy.
What do you think is missing?
What steps are you taking to be a better leader? Let me know.
Remember you’re the architect of your life.