3 THINGS EVERY LEADER SHOULD KNOW

In 2014, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) rated Nigeria as 136 corrupt country in the world.

Nigeria has experienced infrastructure deficit, political instability, cash crunch and other contributing factors that has kept us in the league of third world nations. Despite our environmental factors, Nigeria’s perceived way out of its challenge is its willingness to embrace good governance. A large number of Nigeria’s population have indicated that if we get our leadership obligation right, we would rid corruption to a minimum. There is no doubt that a lot of awareness has been done by civil societies and non-profits, however, most of them lack the structure to accommodate aspiring leaders, groom them as well as direct their paths into the political fabric that embodies the leadership of our nation, their structure ends in simulation and not in the field of play. You realize that beyond these challenges, that leaders are able to transcend, however, there are competencies they need to develop to fire up their influence and acceptability by the citizenry, which endorses their role.

3 things every leader should know

1. Leadership style should transcend culture

Culture in this context is not necessarily ethnicity; it is nepotism, disregard for merit, and low esteem for hard work and diligence. A leader’s style is who he is, with principles based on personality ethics of standards that has stood the test of time. These values are embedded in our habits and ultimately become the destiny of our nation. If we commit to create and internalize accommodative styles of nurturing global networks, appraise processes and systems to expose what works, and eventually implement results of what works to collectively engage our community of citizens, this is of utmost a style that absorbs value and excellence and not people by bias.

2. Leadership is not superiority

Leadership is neither superiority nor inferiority; it is the neutrality and balance between the two. Leadership in Africa has been positional, often times when the individual leaves the seat of power, their influence becomes negligible. Balance in linking upwards, downwards and across, ability to stretch to reach those who are far from the merit of our role or leadership, is responsibility.

3. Leadership is an ongoing construction work

The moment leaders think they have reached the buildup, they begin to decline. Idi Amin of Uganda promoted himself to the position of Field Marshall, however, what was obtainable at his time of reign was brutal killings, lack of freedom and economic jeopardy. Our perception of growth should be one of a journey in relation to going beyond yesterday, it keeps us open, innovative and improves our ability to solve problems.

Responsibility should be to everybody and nobody; it is in return to the election of leaders by citizens and an obligatory role.

Emmanuel Otori is a Public Speaker, Life Coach and Trainer on Leadership, Business and Management.

Email: emmanuelotori@zoho.com