Welcome to our Leadership series, were we will discuss in details WHAT Leadership is, WHO a Leader is, and WHY Leadership. We know a lot have been said about this topic and YOU may be a guru in this topic both theoretically or/and practically.
But my questions to YOU are:
WHY LEADERSHIP?
WHY is this concept important?
Before we talk about WHY Leadership, I will like to talk about my definition of leadership and who a leader is.
WHAT is Leadership?
A lot have been said about Leadership and I will like to take my cue by defining Leadership as the very reason why our species are existing on this earth, the very reason why our finger prints are different, the reason our DNA signatures are different. Therefore each an everyone of us has the the trait of Leadership. Furthermore, Leadership is an act in which an individual displays his uniqueness in a manner that conforms to his purpose, vision, and mission of his life so that he/she can bring his dreams into reality. Leadership is not a position, therefore you don't need any title to become or practice it.
WHO is a Leader?
A Leader is a person who is made (and not born) in an image that reflects responsibility, self awareness, effective communication, self-confidence, emotional and social intelligence, etc. All this tools is what is required to spread ideas, push boundaries, build communities and above all inspire others. I believe their is a LEADER in us all.
WHY Leadership?
I believe everyone knows WHAT leadership means, WHO a leader is and HOW to become a leader, but a few persons knows WHY they should LEAD, and these few persons are currently successful or are on their way to success. This article centers on explaining the concept of Knowing WHY Leadership is important. I believe Leadership is the most important tools for anyone who desires any form of SUCCESS, and without it there is no SUCCESS. For me leadership can be likened to a lamp that is at the feet of an individual, and it brightens his/her path.
My fatherland Nigeria is filled with Leaders who knows 'HOW' to lead and not 'WHY' they are leading, this observation is better explained in the words of Diane Ravitch in 1980 "Those who know 'HOW' gets the job, while those who knows 'WHY' becomes the boss. I believe that this fact is applicable in all works of life and if applied will guarantee SUCCESS.
What Makes up a "WHY Leadership" paradigm
1. Having an "OTHERS" centered Values:
Values in this context means the blueprint of an individual in other words the summary of who a person is. This blueprint serves as a moral compass that guides an individual decision making process as they journey to success. Different individuals have their personal value system, but to understand "WHY LEADERSHIP " your value system must be centered on building a healthy relationship with OTHERS. The best approach to achieve this is to obey the golden rule which is "Whatsoever you wish that men should do to you do it also to them." This simple rule if applied to our everyday life will perfect all that concerns our lives. It is very important that you build you value system around others.
If you will need help drafting your core values click here for a step by step approach to it.
2. Lead with your ears
I was on a canopy walk at the Nigeria Conservation Center in Chevron estate with the President an CEO of Jobberman Mr. Ayodeji, the Former Minister of Information Communication and Technology Mrs. Omobola Johnson, and the Programs officer of ALI-WA Mrs. Onyinye, one significant lesson I learnt was in the Leadership skills they showcased. Mr. Ayodeji, was the Leader of our batch and all he did was to listen to us as we spoke about our difficulties and he gave us a model to which we can use to solve the problem collectively. Anyone who aspires to have "WHY Leadership" mentality must always listen, because the ears holds the key to the heart of anyone....
Stay tuned as we discuss more about this topic in our next series on Friday.
Question for Discuss
If President Barack Obama was a Nigerian, can he become the President,? If yes, will he be able to LEAD us well?
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