I never cease to be amazed by how one comment from a colleague or even a complete stranger can set my mind racing in a multitude of different directions. This happened to me recently when during a social gathering the person next to me asked me whether I though it possible that a leader would still find the time and patience to listen... and listen properly!
Can someone at the helm of a group, an organisation, an authority or department, a political party or even government possibly manage to hear everyone’s views and finally make that ultimate decision that would reflect all the opinions of the group that he or she leads? Evidently the answer is no! A good leader should listen to all voiced opinions, measure the pros and cons and ultimately show his or her true leadership by taking the final step and pronouncing the final decision. This is no mean feat and requires courage and more than an ounce of determination. It is by no means easy to establish the mark of a good leader but this is especially so when it comes to taking crucial decisions which may draw thunderous applause from part of the group and disappointment from the remaining half. A win win situation is rare to come by and achieving that delicate balance of acceptance from the whole group is the trademark of a fine leader.
Today’s democratisation of society calls for modern leaders who do not impose the law or proceed without consultation. We demand strong, driven leaders but we would hate it if they bulldozed over us. Our much worked for freedom of the individual means that we have the privilege of being able to offer our opinions, sentiments and criticisms via a multitude of mediums directly to the person on top. This of course has the benefit of providing a wide spectrum of opinions to whoever is leading but does not in any way remove any of the responsibility that the leader has to make when weighing his or her final choices.
US management expert Ronald Heifetz once described leadership as the art of being able to let people down at a rate that they can tolerate. This may sound highly cynical to some but the naked truth is that a strong leader has to take into account the actual realities surrounding him or her. At the same time, his/her decisions have to reflect not just these realities but appreciation of the complexity of each and every unique situation be they challenges of an economic, social or moral nature.
Possibly another definition of leadership would be the ability to understand actual goings-on and be able to find solutions for the challenges ahead. Hardly anyone appreciates a leader who points fingers at problems and fails to come up with realistic and sustainable solutions. More than ever we have come to understand the huge difference between popular and populist decisions and will judge our leaders when decisions are taken to reflect personal gain rather than for the greater good of the whole.
A focused leader will look at a problem straight in the eye and then present it in a way that would be understood by his/her entire audience. Simplifying a problem without being simplistic is a skill acquired only by long years of leading and refined only after having been able to tackle great challenges. The leader who is able to do this will find consensus and gain approval and respect, and all this within the parameters of democracy.
The media today imposes great demands on leaders since it is a medium that highlights shortcomings at all times and turns them into a mass demand. We live in a world where the media is quick to highlight all the negatives but fails to underscore the positives. In this sense the role of a leader or politician has changed from say 20 or 30 years ago.
Our country has always placed great value and importance on the role of our leaders be they political, religious or others. Personal style has always played an important part in conveying the mission statement and key messages, and history reminds us that in politics this has always played a big part. All leaders, but especially those in politics, are under continuous public scrutiny and therefore have to ensure that they are consistent and credible in all that they say or do. Inconsistency gnaws away at credibility and brings about lack of trust. Good leaders show their mettle by listening, understanding and explaining but ultimately hold their ground in decisions that affect the well being and progress of the people they represent. These are the leaders we choose or vote for and this is what we expect of them!
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