WHY ARE WE LIVING A LEADERSHIP NIGHTMARE ALL OVER THE WORLD?

Political leadership discussions often polarize opinions, influencing perceptions of future writings. However, given the current global climate of turmoil, it is imperative to address this topic. The unrest we witness, whether in local communities, professional environments, or globally, can largely be attributed to poor leadership.

For instance, the phrase "leadership crisis" is now echoing within French political circles and media. This sentiment has been prevalent in the United States for decades and is now resonating further East. The situation in Gaza under Benjamin Netanyahu’s inhuman treatement starkly illustrates the repercussions of failed leadership. Similarly, Tunisia faces deep internal political and social divisions, exacerbating its own leadership challenges. In the United Kingdom, the revolving door of prime ministers and the political chaos surrounding Brexit highlight the instability caused by inadequate leadership. In Brazil, the divisive leadership of Jair Bolsonaro during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant public health and environmental crises.

Regardless of socio-economic or political contexts and geographical boundaries, a generational conflict is evident. Veteran leaders, often clinging to outdated ideologies, clash with the awakening consciousness of Gen Z and Millennials. This generational rift is exemplified by university demonstrations in the U.S., where students are vocally opposing what they perceive as Israeli genocide and advocating for Palestinian freedom.

In France, the electoral challenges facing Macron and his party further highlight this leadership dilemma. These examples underscore an urgent need to reassess what leadership should embody in our current era.

The way we select and train leaders today is no longer adequate given the changed paradigm. Leaders are often chosen and rewarded based on immediate results, a process frequently marred by immorality, cutting corners, and shady dealings. This focus on short-term gains ignores leaders with essential human traits of morality, empathy, and integrity. Such leaders are often overlooked by systems that operate from behind the curtains, where mainstream media, big corporations, and lobbies have more influence on who leads than the citizens of a nation. This dynamic discourages the emergence of leaders the world desperately needs today.

The influence of mainstream media is evident in the United States, where media conglomerates shape public opinion and political narratives, often prioritizing sensationalism over substantive discourse. In countries like Russia, state-controlled media propagates government agendas, stifling dissent and promoting autocratic leadership. Big corporations exert their influence through lobbying and campaign contributions, as seen in the United States with the significant sway of industries such as pharmaceuticals, fossil fuels, and technology on policy and leadership choices.

As parents, educators, human resource managers, and organizational leaders, we must cultivate a new paradigm of leadership. This new model should prioritize empathy, adaptability, and inclusivity. It should be forward-thinking, capable of addressing the complexities of today's world, and responsive to the aspirations of younger generations.

By fostering these qualities, we can ensure that future leaders are better equipped to navigate the intricate socio-political landscapes they will inherit. It is our collective responsibility to nurture and guide the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring they are prepared to create a more equitable and just world.