The Mindset of Leadership

While I won't classify myself as a pundit on leadership and management, yet, recently, I came across two stories on the television and the internet that stirred me to share my thoughts on the above subject.

The first one was on a popular TV station where an average middle-aged lower-class Nigerian lady, was interviewed by a reporter about the current COVID-19 pandemic. The lady uttered the most 'mediocre' statement I have heard in a long time. In her words, '' I don't know how to wash my hands, the government should be the ones to come and teach us how to wash our hands." I don't know what flared me up more, the fact that she said that in an annoyingly tepid way or that she said it boldly on National television. The other video I watched on the internet was about two individuals, a man, and a woman, cursing the government after receiving the stimulus package and feeling they were cheated because it was smaller than it had been portrayed by the government.

?Now, I do not support irresponsibility, corruption, or bad governance; neither do I in any way, undermine the freedom of expression entitled to citizens. That is not the focus of this article. My point of discourse is on the mindset I find appalling, which influenced the actions of those I mentioned and the level of entitlement an average person has, not only towards the government but towards other people, whether in an organization, community, team, class or a friend or relative.

Have you heard a statement like, ' Frank doesn't call me, that's very bad of him' It is said as if the maker of the statement doesn't bear?equal responsibility to keep the relationship/friendship working. You may also have heard a statement like this, 'this organization can only move forward if the President does something about it or if the President were more efficient' While this statement may hold some weight, it is not entirely true. Organizations don't move forward, and nor do things get better only because of the 'top guys' or 'Presidents'. Things get better when people take responsibility and act like leaders, whether or not their superior is competent, responsible, or not.

It is sad that many people don't think this way, especially in my country. It is easier to call out the President for corruption or politicians for illiteracy and mediocrity.

Now, don't get me wrong, I, just like Aristotle, believe education and virtue are the best claims to, and qualifications for, power. I also believe leadership and good governance are the panaceas of a failed state. But like I said, this article places emphasis on the entitlement and blame-shifting mindset.

Practically, a leader is one who first takes responsibility and makes situations better as a result.

A story that depicts leadership and a good sense of responsibility perfectly is one recorded in a book that according to Robert B. Downs is not only the most widely distributed of all books but is also top on the list of books that have changed the world.

You're right, I'm talking about the Holy Bible.

The story is about an obnoxious businessman known as Nabal, who lacked virtue. Nabal made a bad business decision by humiliating a potential business partner, David when he had the opportunity to make a great ally. While David and his associates planned for revenge and a forceful takeover, Abigail, a wise and brave leader appeases them and averts the impending danger to her household as a result.

Because of Abigail's proactive decision, her household is saved in the process, even though she is Nabal's wife and not regarded as someone that has a place on the decision-making table. Note, Abigail did not grumble or criticize Nabal's foolishness or incompetence, she knew that already and so it would have been dangerous if she did nothing and sat and looked on.

Leaders take action! I have learned from experience that some of the best strides I have achieved were not when I was 'student body President' or 'College President'. Those acts were stepping stones into more responsibility.

I hope the message resonates that leadership is beyond wearing a badge or taking a position or title. It is primarily having a sense of responsibility, and being able to change things because of that. You will be surprised to realize that the most valuable leaders in a place are not necessarily those who have titles or those referred to as the 'top guy' or 'top player', they are those who make things happen regardless of limitations.

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I hope you're staying safe during this period and taking your mental health seriously.