Character-Centred Leadership by Micah Amukobole

Author:Micah Amukobole
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Character, Leadership, Principles, Effective leading, StratServe e-leadership, Practice, Succession
ISBN: 9789966202185
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited 2012
Published: 2012-12-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Environment of a Leader

Introduction

“The Western world and its values have affected Africans deeply. Developed countries have always viewed our continent as a place plagued by corruption, dictatorship, military coups, rebellious leaders, greediness, misuse of power, incompetent leadership, politically as well as economically ineffective leaders who undermine their own democracies....

...In Africa a leader is viewed as someone who is a servant of the clan, tribe, community or group. In other words, African people view a king, priest or ruler as one chosen to serve the nation....

...In Africa, leadership was traditionally a function to be shared by all villagers or community members, rather than invested in one person. There were occasions where this norm was broken through dictatorship. African people were dependent on each other, building on the gifts of various members, to challenge, to struggle, to share and to achieve. The leader then became a life-giving person for the whole group....

These days, mentorship has become the way of grooming future leaders. For example, those who were educated began helping others to climb the ladder. As a result, they became effective or life-giving leaders. Accountability for their success was held in the hands of the whole community. White reminds us, “In the world around us, excellence is defined by success, and success is measured by outperforming one’s competitors in pursuit of money growth and power.”...

...This sharing of life was exemplified by medicine people. Medicine people make it their practice to teach others their craft and healing powers before they die. There is an African idiom which reminds adults or senior citizens to “share their herbs and healing powers with the young ones so that when they die, the young ones will continue the work of healing among their people”.... sharing of knowledge gives power, not only to the one who knows, but also to the one who receives. One who shares knowledge with the villagers or community is the best leader. This concept moulds future leaders through learning experiences....

....if Africa is to produceleaders who are honest, competent and committed, the continent needs to embark on an educational process which will nurture future leaders. This process will ensure that they continue addressing the interests of African people even as they engage the challenged and life of the world.” - Excerpts from Maake Masango’s “Leadership in the African Context” in Ecumenical Review, October 2003

The Circle around the Leader

“The first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding is by observing the men he has around him.” - Hutchins 2005

The circle around the leader is made of close associates, friends, acquaintances, companions, family and community, and the leader’s buddies. These include those whom the leader ‘hangs around with’, ‘the pop-ins’ in the house or office, and the mates over a cup of tea or meal. The confidential-sensitivity cover is often removed during their interactions.

The character, style and effectiveness of the leader is implanted in the cultural environment greatly influenced by the close associates. The observers quickly use this circle to access, assess or judge the calibre of the leader.

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