The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

One of the greatest conflicts facing aspiring or “established” leaders is not so much a lack of support, as much as it is a lust of support and power. Too many leaders “live to be liked personally”, as opposed to living to make life better for other persons. As a result of this flawed viewpoint, many of them work harder trying to build their own “Fan Clubs and Ego-centric Empires”, instead of demonstrating a commitment to build healthy organisations and communities that truly empower and inspire others to be their best, even when things are at their worst.

Quite frankly, a leader who is not prepared to stand on his or her own conviction, is not qualified to lead others. Each one must have his own internal compass calibrated to steer him towards true north. Disciplined Self leadership must precede public office, because a leader who consistently fails at leading himself will consistently fail at leading others.

Leaders, therefore, must demonstrate personalised intrinsic accountability and resist the temptation of leading largely by consensus and by the validation of others. Rather, they should lead by their own conviction and a compelling vision. A leader who can’t tell you where he or she is going, is not qualified to take you where you want to go. Leadership success, therefore, is not about the loudness of the applause, as much as it is about one’s quiet, authentic and genuine actions, even when there is no one applauding. It’s about leading when no one is looking and doing what is right, because it is the right thing to do!

Leaders, therefore, must learn to become their own biggest Cheerleader, Critic and Supporter and must always remember that the quantity of likes is oftentimes not a true reflection of the quality of one’s leadership.

DR R KENNETH ROMER

Nassau,

August 25, 2021.