IN ANY SPHERE of endeavour, leaders are important, not only for success but also for the long term institutionalisation of the enterprise. What, however, is more important is the leader’s perception of what the position means.
As a leader appreciates himself and his role, so does the strategic
focus of the endeavour evolve. He can see himself as a noun loving the position and being identified as the boss or he can see himself as an adjective bringing colour and flair (but little substance).
The third option is that he can see himself as a verb doing things to promote the mission and the work of the institution. This individual will always invite criticism or even controversy because he shows vision and initiative. People
object to anything that involves change.
In addition to the required strength and resilience to move forward, the verb leader must also be driven by integrity and values. Two such individuals that I recall today are Errol Walton Barrow and Barack Obama, leaders who have done great things but have also been pilloried!
In the case of the former, we celebrate his birthday this weekend with the clarity of thought and the strength of intellect that derived from his expressed mission. The latter has completed his tour of duty as president of the USA and can exit office stage left with his head held high.
Each of these individuals used his respective position to assist, develop and promote the national good and special needs of his citizens. I am also proud to have had a personal connection with each, although in one case, only vicariously.
The strength of any country is contingent on its quality of education, health care, economic development and self esteem of its people. In each of these areas, Barrow left an indelible stamp to makes him a man for all seasons.
Barrow made education available and virtually free to all persons from primary to tertiary. This opened many opportunities for the formerly underprivileged. He created an environment to ensure the good health of all inclusive of a national hospital and the many parochial clinics.
This verb leader took a linear agricultural economy and diversified it in a way that made the new educational thrust even more relevant and purposeful. One’s self esteem is enhanced when safety and pride are satisfied. Our police, security forces and our established values have made us people who can be proud of ourselves. Thanks to you, the now Rt. Excellent!
Job growth
On a personal note, I remember an interaction with him. Barrow, later in my political days as a branch chairman and while my friend Eric Niles and I were at a celebratory function, he hugged me and said: “You are a talented young man.” Wow! That has remained with me.
Obama served two terms as president. These were devoid of scandal, sleaze and corruption. He also changed the trajectory of the USA, reversing a trend of 800 000 job loses per month turning it into 75 months of continued job growth.
His tenure saw unemployment being cut in half, the deficit reduced by more than a trillion dollars. He launched the Affordable Care Act thereby providing health insurance for 20 million people who were without. He also doubled the worth of the stock market. Success!
Verb leaders are often vilified during their tenure, but history with 20-20 vision always speaks well of them. I believe this will be the fate of Obama. Although he kept me in sitting a plane for two hours while he was visiting Miami and the airport had to be closed!
Jeff Broomes is an experienced educator, principal and community organiser who also served as vice- president of the BCA and director of the WICB. Email: unclejeff2@hotmail.com.
