Why I love Jacob Zuma

I was in Mauritius today doing my Leadership Inside Out program. I found myself regularly referring to the South African president. That's why I love him. He's a great teaching aid. 

I guess the key lesson from JZ is epitomized in a quote I learned while speaking at a leadership conference in Istanbul. It's an old Turkish saying: "The fish rots from the head down." The culture of an organization is largely determined by it's leaders.

The greatest tool in a leader's arsenal is their own example. Jacob Zuma frequently talks about the need to stamp out corruption. Dr Freud might have something to say about that. 

Of course, we don't listen to what you say Mr. President, we listen to what you do.

We are all hypocrites at times. It's easier to say than to do. One of the most inspiring things I ever heard, was the CEO of Sasol say to 3000 of his top leadership: "I don't always live the values of our company, I want you to tell me when I don't." 

We need to exemplify the honesty and self-awareness we want to see in our people. Integrity is the integration of words and actions. None of us has perfect integrity. I love Jacob Zuma because he reminds me to look in the mirror and see when I'm a hypocrite.

See, I don't want to be like him but the truth is sometimes I am, sometimes we all say one thing and do another. That's not leadership, admitting is.

For a man who exemplifies integrity based leadership make sure you catch Gurus tonight.

Imagine becoming CEO of one of the most prestigious organisations on the JSE only to discover it was facing a one billion rand civil and criminal suit that could sink the company.

Not only did Edward Kieswetter turn the business around, he did it by developing and instituting a whole new definition and practice of leadership. Today he’s President of the Da Vinci Institute, school of managerial leadership.

Catch the interview tonight (Thursday), at 9.15pm on CNBC Africa. You can also watch live on the CNBC Africa website. 

By the way, if you would like to hear me live be sure to book tickets for the Real Entrepreneur mega conference in Johannesburg and Cape Town. I'll be presenting my acclaimed program Pitch to Win. 

Justin

www.justinpresents.com