Leadership

As our world changes, we seek leadership and guidance through challenging times and uncertainty. The strength of leadership is the ability to lead by example, guided by empathy and understanding, and not delusional egocentrism. It sometimes feels like people who aspire to lead, prey on the gullibility of their constituent’s lack of critical thinking abilities. History has shown us repeatedly the mistakes of bad leadership, as well as the successes of great leadership. A true and sincere leader has a vision for the future, who sets attainable goals, and aspires to carry them out. A leadership competency and ability combined with an inspiring, dynamic vision for the future builds the foundation for great governance. Nelson Mandela emphasized that a good leader must have a good heart and head, honestly, you can't have one without the other. A great leader has the empathy and understanding to lead their people with kindness, humility, and compassion.

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination." - Nelson Mandela

"In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." - Harry S. Truman

Leadership is not just about having a title or status but the ability to do something in that position that is beneficial and meaningful for all. It is quite probable that everyone wants to reach a position of status but honestly not everyone can achieve this. Greatness tends to follow those who strive to make a difference by acting first, instead of just preaching about what they will do. A great leader shows the way and takes the initiative by taking the first step. People are often influenced by leaders but those that affect us the most are the few who touch our lives. Mutual understanding and respect for a common goal play a vital role in a step toward truly making a difference. Most importantly, a leader must listen to the people, treat them with respect and dignity, build and sustain relationships, and enable collaboration.

"A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." - Dr. Martin Luther King 

"I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles, but today it means getting along with people."

 - Mahatma Gandhi

As we witness society's impending doom or flourishing in its growth and development, we all hope for a better future. A sincere leader needs to have faith and belief in the people they are serving. Our world is constantly changing, wars and famine are diminishing the hopes of many, and while some people have lost hope, there are still an optimistic few. We cannot predict our future because we do not know what our future holds for us. The right leader can show us a path and take us on a journey to ensure a better future, while the wrong leader can diminish hope and create uncertainty. A great leader has the strength and courage to uplift, encourage renewed hope, and inspire change. History has seen many great leaders who have contributed unselfishly by having the faith to take the first steps to make a difference in our lives. As we hope for a better future for all, we should encourage leaders to lead with integrity, hope, honesty, the utmost understanding, empathy, and respect for all.

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet." - Theodore Hesburgh 

"No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent." - Abraham Lincoln

" Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Dr. Martin Luther King