One of the most prolific sayings goes: wherever there is a leadership vacuum, a new leader emerges. What explains one person, of so many people, emerges and challenges the status quo? How come such a person gets accepted and rallies so many others behind him or her?
People tend to follow someone with character, a track record, tenacity, and courage to challenge the status quo. Such people are willing to go an extra mile than the rest to provide a vision and a clear roadmap to go there. One of the qualities of great leaders is their ability to share a vision that resonates with the majority who become compelled to follow the vision bearer.
Do you want to become a leader or to identify one? Here is a simple exercise for you:
- Get a piece of paper and a pen. Write 5 lists of top qualities expected of a great member of parliament or politician, at any level.
- How do those people demonstrate such values? Are they born leaders or have taken deliberate steps to improve on some qualities as they emerge as leaders?
- Who are the top 3 leaders you know of and admire – dead or alive? What would you say are their top 3-6 qualities?
- Which of such values do your current member of parliament or politician possess?
As you answer the above questions, you will identify what makes leaders. From the iconic Nelson Mandela Abraham Lincoln to King Solomon, you will notice qualities like courage, communication skills, enthusiasm, integrity, toughness, and decisive, welcoming with a calming effect, etc. come out. Although someone may not easily learn how to be courageous. You can easily learn communication skills especially public speaking to motivate people to support your causes or rally behind you.
Above all, great leaders take self-initiative. They do not wait to be told what to do. They identify what needs to be done, and d something about it. And of course, they always focus on comforting the afflicted, which makes them unique and pro-people. Bad leaders usually comfort a small click of people at the expense of the majority.
Are you a great leader?
Copyright Mustapha B Mugisa, 2020. All rights reserved.
