There are seven things that will destroy us: wealth without work; pleasure without conscience; knowledge without character; religion without sacrifice; politics without principle; science without humanity; business without ethics. – Mahatma Gandhi
Leadership is an awesome responsibility and those who choose to take up its challenge must not be ignorant of the grave accountability attached to such a charge.
Highly respected and world-renowned leadership expert Dr John Maxwell says “leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less”.
The reality of the tremendous responsibility of influencing people sank in after I graduated from theological college. I quickly recognised that I was delegated the authority to influence people and I could make the choice to either sway them positively or negatively. The daunting task of influencing people with all my human limitations drove me to my knees. I asked Almighty God to assist me to genuinely guide those entrusted to my care towards a future that would add worth and value to their well-being.
I realised that leadership was not just holding a position and preaching, but understanding that my life, both personal and public, was always under scrutiny, whether I thought so or not. Today, 40 years hence, I thank God for helping me to maintain that perspective.
In their book Firing Back, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Andrew Ward made a profound statement that is worthy of contemplation: “As a leader, you have to not only do the right thing, but be perceived to be doing the right thing. A consequence of seeking a leadership position is being put under intense public scrutiny, being held to high standards, and enhancing a reputation that is constantly under threat.”
Upon reflection, I was not a perfect leader. If I had to start all over again, I would adjust some of my approaches, but I have absolutely no regrets for purposing in my heart to be the brightest positive influence that I could ever be while here on planet earth.
I believe that people, especially the youth, are not looking for men and women in leadership positions who are just full of talk. They are searching eagerly for individuals whose character and conduct go hand in glove; especially if they hold privileged positions in the pulpit, Parliament, as principals, parents and the like. As people of influence, let us be the brightest leaders we can ever be wherever we are placed to lead.
Here are three of the many areas that each of us a person of influence needs to practise:
• Firstly, the leader must be at his/her brightest by being a servant. Servants serve those who entrust them with the responsibility of carrying out certain duties. When these duties are properly accomplished, both the servant and served are exalted to a level of excellence of which both can be justly proud.
When a leader believes that he/she is lord over those he/she has been called to lead, that leader has definitely missed the highway of true servanthood and can lead followers into a dangerous cul-de-sac where there is little or no room for personal progress. True servants are givers and not takers; they seek the welfare of those they serve and do not desire to take advantage of them; they seek out how they can help and not hinder. Let us as leaders be the brightest that we can be as servants to those in the orbit of our influence.
• Secondly, the leader must be at his/her brightest by understanding that living a life of integrity is not an option but vitally essential.
The late Professor Thomas W. Dunfee, of Wharton University of Pennsylvania, emphasized: “We need to stress that personal integrity is as important as executive skill in business dealings . . . . Setting an example from the top has a ripple effect throughout a business, school or a corporation.”
I have had the good fortune of studying leadership in Singapore, a model country. One of my tutors said that among other things, seeking to bribe a police officer in that country will land you in jail because of the high honest standard that they seek to maintain with those who enforce the law.
One of the things that never left my mind, however, was his mentioning that those serving in political office are also kept to very high standards. He related a sad story where a member of parliament decided to commit suicide rather than face the consequences of his having violated a standard set for all those who held that high office.
All leaders at all levels of society must always remember that personal integrity has a domino effect on those who are looking on at us. We must set a proper example because of the confidence and trust that have been released to us. A violation of that trust may not only create disappointment for those we lead, but it has the potential to devalue individuals who may subsequently fill the same office of leadership. Let us as leaders be at our brightest in integrity.
• Thirdly, the leader must be at his/her brightest by creating a laudable legacy.
The story is told of a father who was an alcoholic and regularly he would walk a path from home to a rum shop to drink his spirits. One day he had a shocking realisation, which became a defining moment for him. As he advanced toward the rum shop, he happened to glance back and observed that his little son was putting his petite feet into his large footprints to follow him.
A picture of the future flashed before this parent; he immediately visualised that he may have started to influence his son to be an alcoholic from an early age. He turned around with haste to make a difference, not only for his life but also for his growing son’s future life as well.
Author James Branch Cabell was right when he said: “While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sands of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction.” As leaders, we must realise that those we influence will follow us, so let our footprints lead them on a praiseworthy path where positively shaping their lives for the future becomes our goal. As leaders, let us be at our brightest in formulating a creditable legacy.
If as leaders we can be sincere servants, immovable in our integrity and not be fickle with our footprints, it would be amazing how brightly we can shine.
• Reverend Haynesley Griffith is a marriage and family life consultant. Email [email protected].
