Leaders should not just decide the direction of the business or organization by what the mere eyes can see or the ear hear. Leaders should take deeper look at situations (both internal and external) before deciding the way the business or organization should go.
- A leader must see or conceive the destination before setting out to lead the people or organization.
- A leader can only lead as far as his or her eyes can see.
- Leading is done easily when the leader has seen or known the destination before leading.
- The first thing in leadership is to have a VISION – a clear view into the destination.
- The second thing in leadership is to have the DIRECTION to the destination. A leader who does not know the way to the desired or required destination is not better than or different from the "least" follower. What sets a leader apart from followers is his or her understanding of the desired or required destination and the direction to the destination.
- The third thing in leadership is stepping out into the path towards the destination. "A leader leads on the path and not on the sit."
- A leader must maintain healthy relationship with higher leaders (stategic partners), so as to ensure steady help in the face of harsh situations.
- A leader who is not training and developing his or her people is not preparing for the future. A leader must enjoy training his men for business challenges.
- In dificult times, the leader must take responsibilities and be upfront. A leader that sits back and command from the rear has missed it already. Some months ago in Nigeria, we saw how Military Genrals were commanding from Abuja; and we observed their successes if any and their failure. When President Buhari took over National Leadership, he commanded the top Generals to move over to the battle region and command from there – we began to see successes and few incidences of failure. Indeed, leadership must be upfront, not from the rear!
- A leader must pay his dues to higher authority
- A leader must be selfless and people-centred. A leader should stick to his or her core values; irrespective of the temptations that may come afterwards.
- A leader must not be materialistic and fond of luxuries.
- A leader may be wealthy but simple.
I believe that those few thoughts will add to your leadership effectivenss if you meditate well on them. I hope to share with you again. Be an effective leader!
