“To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them,” Thomas Aquinas (medieval scholar).
My itch, Thomas does adeptly describe. The decision to take leadership is not one for the faint-hearted. Be forewarned, many pitfalls lie ahead. You will encounter cynics of magnanimous dimensions. Naysayers will line your rough path, baying for your blood.
But it is your choice to take action that drives you and those around you from mediocrity and are into excellence regurgitated. To lead is a verb; it is action brought to life. In fact, its definition is to “cause (a person or animal) to go with one by holding them by the hand, a halter, a rope, etc., while moving forward.”
A cancer that recurs across Africa is not leadership but the lack thereof. There are far too many people in high positions. The majority of these I would not refer to as “leaders”, as a leader takes “the initiative in an action; an example for others to follow.” Most cling to power that deceives them that they are leaders, while in real sense they lead their constituents astray.
However, solutions to Africa’s woes will only be resolved on the continent. “You Lazy (Intellectual) African Scum!” is a soul grabber. We will have to pull ourselves out of the quagmire by our very own bootstraps. We have to own our problems, for us to appreciate the necessary solutions.
Like a shepherd, leadership requires you to be at the forefront, at the helm. Your followers expect you to scout for opportunities, while at the same time being on the lookout for danger and obstacles. Your followers expect your guidance to capitalize on the opportunities, and provide solutions to the danger and obstacles.
Are you just talking or getting things done? Are you part of the solution, or the arm that perpetuates problems? What are you doing to bring about a positive change?
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest of souls, the most massive characters are seamed with scars…” E.H. Chaplin
Be the change that matters…
This is great Kim, i always knew theres much stored up. Great initiative.
Thanks Jamo, much appreciated. Strength is not found in the powerful, but those surrounded by a solid, unwavering support network.
Kim, Excellent writing from the heart. I love the passion in your words and message. Very well done! Brad (managementbrad)
Brad, much appreciated. I hope this message reaches out to others and inspires them to positive action. More coming up, watch this space 🙂
True, we have no leaders in the real sense of the meaning. We have pretenders, very good at theatrics, proclamations and no substance. That unfortunately is the curse of Africa, but recall, a people gets the leaders they deserve. That is all.
mmnjug, Spot-on! We can only achieve the change we want if we are ready to be the change ourselves. This starts with the individuals we place in positions of leadership. Thank you for “stopping by”.
I have just read “You Lazy (Intellectual) African Scum!” and your article. I fully agree with you that there has to be a paradigm change on the way we do our business of developing the country and now with several counties, the efforts have to be focused to have any tangible steps . I have been thinking on how to start making that change – however small it may be – by sharing these ideas with a group of colleagues. We have been working on intiating a development forum to float ideas and trigger some actions.
Doug, the key is “choosing to make that change”. I think many of us think that change is of those with might, money or “position”. Change of monumental scale starts with self, then radiates to close associates and before long it becomes an epidemic. It takes a life of its own, and becomes sustainable. I’d love to hear more on the development forum, and hopefully feature it on my blog sometime. Go for it!
Thank you for a challenging post. It has caused me to ponder quite deeply about the various concepts of leadership. In the end I find the most attractive, palatable, and dare I say most effective model to be the one found in Scripture. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, explains His leadership role this way, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” These words from Matthew 20:28 are echoed in all four gospels: Mark 10:45; Luke 22:26,27; John 12:26. God had this message recorded and repeated that we might take notice. May we all take heed! [well-built blog by the way]
Glad I could add some thoughts to you. Thank you for stopping by, and for your thought-provoking comments.
A very inspiring article. I hope many decide to be the change that matter!
Thank you for your kind words, and call to action.