The Quest For True Leadership

IF perhaps there was ever an opportune moment that this profound statement by John C. Maxwell, “everything falls and rises on leadership”, was relevant and applicable, then that moment is now.

For years many have argued and defended the position that the issue of morality is rather that of personal conviction, and holds no significant value in today’s sophisticated and advanced age. It is rather a sad reality that even though in the 21st century man has advanced in more ways than one, he has also digressed from the time-tested moral values and principles that once formed the foundation of every individual, family, society and nation.The notion that morality is a personal issue is creating ever-widening cracks in the foundation of Namibian society, and therefore no longer holds water, because the effects of poor morality far exceed the boundaries of the individual.For once, we all agree, as a nation, that we have a moral crisis at hand, and like cancer, is gradually eating away at the fabric of our nation.We have a common problem which demands a common solution.This is not the time to play the blame game, as no institution or individual can single-handedly solve this ever threatening problem.Many people, in their own capacities, have expressed their sentiments with regard to this issue.Some have indicated that the present state of morality should be our point of departure in finding a solution to this problem.In my view that would be climbing up the mountain from the wrong direction.I believe that the best way to address this issue is to first establish how we got ourselves into this mess.Why is this so critical? Because if we don’t know how we got ourselves into this moral mess, then the likelihood and probability of repeating the same mistake is high and almost inevitable.I am still convinced that our greatest challenge is that of leadership vacuum, i.e.leadership across all strata of life.This leadership crisis is on many people’s minds today.Questions of moral integrity, honour, values, role models and respectable standards are topics of discussion on many national programmes in the country at the moment, and they are also the thoughts of the man on the street.I am sure we have all heard the leaders expressing their inability to deal with what confronts the nation at this critical moment.We are hearing them every day, openly asking for help, assistance and advice on how to deal with the worsening moral problems in the nation.I submit to you that the number one need all over the globe today is not money, social programmes, or even new governments.It is quality, moral, disciplined, principal-centred leadership.The definition of leadership is: positive influence generated by a purpose that inspires others to follow.So, what we need as a nation is true leadership in our governments, businesses, schools, civic institutions, youth groups, religious organisations, homes and in every arena of life.We need the kind of leadership that will positively influence and impact our homes, societies and ultimately our nation.For many, leadership has become a role one plays, rather than a life one leads.And this notion has sadly become the incubator for all the decay in the moral fabric we are all bemoaning and lamenting today in this country.The contemporary leaders are attempting to divorce their personal lives from their public responsibilities, and their personal standards from their public lives.To many, leadership is an act, not a calling.Therefore, when they are in their spheres of responsibilities, they act a certain way, but when they leave, they lead double lives.This is a contradiction and a gross violation of the nature and laws of true leadership.True leadership is not a technique or a style, but is a manifestation of a positive attitude that positively influences those around it.It is therefore in this context that I could say that we do not have a moral problem, but rather a leadership problem.I guarantee you that if we all commit ourselves to the pursuit of true leadership then we will solve the moral problem, because these two are indispensable to each other, they are like two strands of the same rope.Sakaria T.Nikodemus Via e-mailIt is rather a sad reality that even though in the 21st century man has advanced in more ways than one, he has also digressed from the time-tested moral values and principles that once formed the foundation of every individual, family, society and nation.The notion that morality is a personal issue is creating ever-widening cracks in the foundation of Namibian society, and therefore no longer holds water, because the effects of poor morality far exceed the boundaries of the individual.For once, we all agree, as a nation, that we have a moral crisis at hand, and like cancer, is gradually eating away at the fabric of our nation.We have a common problem which demands a common solution.This is not the time to play the blame game, as no institution or individual can single-handedly solve this ever threatening problem.Many people, in their own capacities, have expressed their sentiments with regard to this issue.Some have indicated that the present state of morality should be our point of departure in finding a solution to this problem.In my view that would be climbing up the mountain from the wrong direction.I believe that the best way to address this issue is to first establish how we got ourselves into this mess.Why is this so critical? Because if we don’t know how we got ourselves into this moral mess, then the likelihood and probability of repeating the same mistake is high and almost inevitable.I am still convinced that our greatest challenge is that of leadership vacuum, i.e.leadership across all strata of life.This leadership crisis is on many people’s minds today.Questions of moral integrity, honour, values, role models and respectable standards are topics of discussion on many national programmes in the country at the moment, and they are also the thoughts of the man on the street.I am sure we have all heard the leaders expressing their inability to deal with what confronts the nation at this critical moment.We are hearing them every day, openly asking for help, assistance and advice on how to deal with the worsening moral problems in the nation.I submit to you that the number one need all over the globe today is not money, social programmes, or even new governments.It is quality, moral, disciplined, principal-centred leadership.The definition of leadership is: positive influence generated by a purpose that inspires others to follow.So, what we need as a nation is true leadership in our governments, businesses, schools, civic institutions, youth groups, religious organisations, homes and in every arena of life.We need the kind of leadership that will positively influence and impact our homes, societies and ultimately our nation.For many, leadership has become a role one plays, rather than a life one leads.And this notion has sadly become the incubator for all the decay in the moral fabric we are all bemoaning and lamenting today in this country.The contemporary leaders are attempting to divorce their personal lives from their public responsibilities, and their personal standards from their public lives.To many, leadership is an act, not a calling.Therefore, when they are in their spheres of responsibilities, they act a certain way, but when they leave, they lead double lives.This is a contradiction and a gross violation of the nature and laws of true leadership.True leadership is not a technique or a style, but is a manifestation of a positive attitude that positively influences those around it.It is therefore in this context that I could say that we do not have a moral problem, but rather a leadership problem.I guarantee you that if we all commit ourselves to the pursuit of true leadership then we will solve the moral problem, because these two are indispensable to each other, they are like two strands of the same rope.Sakaria T.Nikodemus Via e-mail