THE CHARACTER OF LEADERSHIP

 "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character."   - Martin Luther King, Jr.

To Martin Luther King, Jr. that was a dream at some point in time. To the rest of us however, the judgment of character is an everyday expectation in leadership. The importance of character in leadership cannot be overemphasized; as a matter of fact, there is no leadership without character.

Character forms the crux of the matter and is the real foundation of all worthwhile successes. The leader is nothing without the cardinal description of his personality which ultimately is his character. 

Every action a leader takes is a pointer to his or her character, whether he is aware of this or not. We must understand that while knowledge may give power, it is character that gives respect and loyalty. 

The definition of a man’s character is not hinged on periodic behaviours and goodwill but on the daily patterns of action, words and the retinue of nuances and attributes vague or obvious that are peculiar to him or her. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Character, in the long run is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." One of the biggest challenges nations face today; especially African nations, is the lack of character. 

The obvious inconsistency and disharmony between the things we say and do show the obvious paucity of character in the society. There was a time when character mattered; today we focus on wealth irrespective of how it is gotten. And this is not restricted to the elites and politicians alone; the same applies to teachers, civil and public servants, religious leaders etc. The average man on the street is as bereft of character as the man sitting in the office of the governor, minister, chairman, manager, director etc. Do not forget, that they all come from the same society anyway.

It was Booker T. Washington who once said; "Character is power”. Think about that for a moment. We do not often think about this but the standing, confidence, authority and control a good character gives is amazing if you know how to wield it and positively too. “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character, but if you must be without one, be without strategy”  - Norman Shwarzkorpf.

I hope you see where the emphasis lies. That is a beautiful summary of our entire discourse I believe.

In my opinion, there are several components or traits that illustrate the character of a leader. For now, I will briefly examine six of them:

1. TRUSTWORTHINESS

Leadership must be trusted and seen to be able to make the best decisions and do the right thing, especially in difficult situations. Trust is achieved by demonstrating competence through strong character. The ability of leadership to maintain confidentiality in their relationship with those they are leading is also very important in developing trust. A trustworthy leader cannot be the one who spills what he has been told in secret. He cannot afford to be the ‘prating fool’. 

The leader must not be the one to also judge people based on what he has heard without confirmation or without finding out the reason at the very least. Trust is earned! You do not demand for it or command it into existence; it is a result of consistent show of stable good attitude and confidentiality. 

Trust is very difficult to build but easy to lose, that is why leaders must be very careful how they treat people. Once a leader’s character is proven untrustworthy, his or her influence and ability to lead is severely diminished.

 2. RELIABILITY

Closely related to trustworthiness is Reliability. It is one thing to trust a leader because he can keep secrets or that he can chart a course of direction for the group, organization or church. It is another thing that he is reliable. A reliable leader is someone to whom whatever is committed to his or her hand is safely kept. He is well founded and grounded in what he is doing. Words such as; unwavering, unswerving, solid, steady, devoted, responsible, fail-safe and honest describe a reliable person.

Leaders cannot afford to be reliable only when it is convenient. The desire for greatness and excellence should drive us towards being reliable at all times, as leaders. Let it be said of you that ‘whatever is committed into your hands, you will keep’ until it is requested. 

My former boss told a story of about a colleague of his who had retired at the time. He said no matter the amount of money you give to the man even in marked notes, you will receive those same notes anytime you request for your money. The man eventually became a mini bank for his colleagues, since it was in the early 90’s when banks were not this common in Warri. We all want that kind of person right? I hope we are that person too.

 3. HONESTY AND TRUTHFULNESS

Being honest with ones-self, others and speaking truth no matter whose ox is gored is sacrosanct to leadership. You do not necessarily have to be *‘brutal’* with being truthful or honest but a leader should be comfortable with himself and herself and should be ready to stand for what he or she believes. 

Being honest and truthful requires courage, because this virtue is a two-edged sword. An honest man very easily makes enemies even though they admire his truth, they often hate his courage.

According to the 14th Dalai Lama “the real source of inner joy is to remain truthful and honest." This still holds and especially for leaders, whenever you are dishonest with yourself, you are disconnected from reality and you will make poor decisions with potentially far reaching effects.

Those in the positions of authority must understand that telling the truth even when it is uncomfortable is better than lying because it feels good or serves a momentary gain. When you face a choice between being polite and honest, err on the side of the truth. It is better to be disliked but respected than to be liked but disrespected. In the long run, the people we trust the most are those who have the courage to be sincere (Adam Grant).

 4. SELF DISCIPLINE AND MORALITY

Self-discipline is the real secret to success in every sphere of life. It is the real delineating factor between the rich and the poor. Every great leader you know or have heard about is a very disciplined person. 

The sacrifices made by men of great resolve while their peers slept can only be done by disciplined hands. To do what is right, even if you do not feel like it; to practice self-control is to balance your own desires with the need of others and the courage also to face the fears, risks and dangers of standing up for what is right should be characteristics of every great leader. 

According to Leonardo da Vinci “You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself…the height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. And this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others”.

 5. INTEGRITY

Leaders should be men and women of integrity. People whose words and actions matter to them and are synchronized. The things they say do not differ from what they do; as a matter of fact they do not treat their claims with levity. 

I am not saying leaders should be perfect, because none of us is perfect. And I am not sure many of us will trust anyone claiming to be ‘perfect’ anyway. However, a man who seeks to lead others should stand head over shoulders in the things that matters the most.

Your sense of ethics and morality should not be questionable. How do you provide direction for others when your moral compass has no bearing?

Integrity entails having a clear sense of values that guide your behavior every day. I understand that often times we find ourselves at crossroads in life and we are forced to choose a path. Choose the right path; the one paved with principles that leads to character. A man of integrity practices to align his actions, feelings and thoughts with his values. Try practicing this; it will not bite you I promise.

 6. GENUINE COMPASSION AND EMPATHY

From the foregoing you should have deduced by now that ‘fake’ is not in the character of good leaders. They sincerely care about those who look up to them. They may not be able to take care of everybody’s problem but they are sincere in their sympathy and empathy. 

Genuine concern and care are important for leadership at all levels. On a general note, people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. Did you get that? Think about it for a moment.

This is one of the reasons why emotionally disconnected geniuses never make good leaders. 

People with high emotional and social quotients even if they have low intelligence quotient, will always make better leaders than those high on intelligence but low on the former two. The simple reason is because good leaders know how to connect with people and can relate to their situations, good or bad.

GIFTED PEOPLE AND THEIR PROBLEMS

 

Do you know that gifted people have unique psychological problems? As someone who is enthusiastic about clinical psychologist, I work with many gifted people, many of whom do not believe they are gifted, but they still have the psychological issues that are common to people in this population.

Having studied about the psychological issues that gifted people are more likely to have, I think there is a need to educate people around this topic, just in case you fall into this group or know other who are and are struggling with these problems. Studies have shown that these issues are directly related to the personality structures that gifted people tend to have that are necessarily a function of their Intelligence Quotient (IQ).  A good reference material on this subject matter is a study by Francis Heylighen titled as the same as this article.

Gifted people often have the tendency to question authority.

They ask embarrassing questions because they want to know the details they should not ask about.

And they are non-conforming. This can lead to sense of alienation. Feeling out of step with others.

This coupled with the tendency to have unusual ideas and thinking about things from multiple and different angles that people do not typically go into can lead to social isolation.

But, gifted people also tend to be highly sensitive, empathic and highly compassionate.

They can also have really strong moral convictions and be a seeker of an ultimate truth.

Now imagine having that set of characteristic and not actually realizing that everyone does not share the same attributes as you do. And when you do, you feel lost.

 By Dr. Joey

WHO IS THE "SNITCH" AT YOUR WORKPLACE?

 

In every workplace, there's often a person who is commonly referred to as a "snitch." Sometimes, there may even be two or three individuals who seem to have a knack for gathering information and reporting on the activities of their coworkers. You know those colleagues of yours that are good at taking sides with the “oga” even when the boss is wrong, and the wheels are about to fall off? They are also good at writing minority reports to undermine the rest of the team. Sometimes we call them “rat”, or “sabo” (short for saboteur) in local slang. Aha! They are the ones I am referring to.

BUT WHAT DEFINES A "SNITCH"?

These individuals typically portray themselves as outgoing and friendly, making it easy for them to strike up conversations and probe into the personal lives of others. They often ask a multitude of questions, delving into topics like future plans and family matters. However, beneath their friendly façade lies a hidden agenda—they aim to extract sensitive information from their colleagues.

What sets a "snitch" apart is their ability to uncover confidential details and then betray the trust of their coworkers by reporting this information to management or other parties. To safeguard oneself from potential harm, it's crucial to exercise caution when sharing personal information with individuals who exhibit "snitch" behavior or with anyone at all for that matter. Protecting one's privacy can prevent the exploitation of sensitive information.

You also need to understand that a “snitch” does not care about the harm he or she is causing to their subject of target. The multiplier effect of their actions to the emotion, integrity, or career etc. of their target means very little or nothing to them, and they can go any length to achieve their five minutes orgasmic satisfaction from causing pain. The depth of scheming employed is pretty much in the borderline between diabolism and pathology.

The presence of a "snitch" in the workplace can have detrimental effects, leading to an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion among colleagues. Therefore, it's imperative for individual, groups or leaders (in any capacity) to foster an environment where confidentiality and trust are valued, discouraging the prevalence of such behavior. To those who enjoy hearing the dirty secrets of others, remember that “he who tells you about others will one day tell others about you too”.

By recognizing the characteristics and actions associated with a "snitch," individuals can navigate workplace dynamics more effectively, maintaining a sense of trust and confidentiality in their professional interactions.

DAYS OF HEDONISTIC RASCALITY

 

Pleasure is indeed a natural craving of humans, an intrinsic desire that transcends cultures and epochs. Across the annals of history, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, individuals have sought avenues to satiate this fundamental yearning. Yet, amidst the vast expanse of time, one wonders: has there ever been an age of human existence more enamored with the pursuit of pleasure than our own?

In today's fast-paced world, the modern man is driven by an insatiable appetite for convenience and gratification. From the comfort of our smartphones to the allure of on-demand entertainment, every aspect of our lives seems tailored to cater to our desire for instant pleasure. Technology, with its rapid advancements and ubiquitous presence, serves as the enabler of this hedonistic lifestyle, offering endless distractions and indulgences at our fingertips.

However, beneath the facade of hedonistic bliss lies a stark reality—a society consumed by the relentless pursuit of pleasure risks descending into a state of moral decay and societal disintegration. When pleasure becomes the sole objective of existenc
e, ethical boundaries are blurred, and the pursuit of self-gratification often comes at the expense of others. In the quest for instant gratification, we may overlook the long-term consequences of our actions, forsaking meaningful relationships and neglecting our responsibilities to ourselves and to society.

The potential for disservice inherent in a life dedicated solely to the pursuit of pleasure cannot be overstated. It breeds a culture of superficiality and instant gratification, where genuine human connections are sacrificed at the altar of momentary indulgence. Moreover, the erosion of traditional values and moral principles threatens to undermine the very fabric of society, leading to a loss of purpose and direction among its members.

Amidst the allure of hedonistic pleasures, it is imperative to recognize the importance of balance in life. Just as the seasons alternate between periods of growth and rest, so too must we strive for equilibrium between work and

leisure. Rest and recreation are essential components of a fulfilling existence, providing the necessary respite to rejuvenate our minds and bodies. However, they must be complemented by diligence and perseverance in the pursuit of meaningful goals and aspirations.

While the allure of hedonistic pleasures may be irresistible, we must exercise caution in indulging our desires. A life consumed by hedonism risks robbing us of our humanity, reducing us to mere slaves of our impulses. Instead, let us strive for a balanced lifestyle that embraces both pleasure and hard work, recognizing that true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of momentary pleasures, but in the cultivation of enduring virtues and meaningful experiences. After all, as the proverb goes, "Rest and pleasure are sweet after labor."

A TIME TO KILL

 I find it humorously convenient how we all often acquiesce to the decisions of people we consider significant in our lives. The list could include parents, friends, mentors, teachers, leaders—whether religious or secular. However, one disturbing fact is that more often than not, the only reason we support those decisions is sentiment, not because of the merits therein. The same can be said to describe the reasons for our political affiliations, religious memberships, ethnic, and secular associations, etc.

Think about it this way; a young adult raised in a conservative household. Despite harboring doubts about certain beliefs and practices, they find themselves conforming to familial expectations out of a sense of duty and loyalty. Similarly, in a politically divided society, individuals may align themselves with a particular ideology simply because it's what their family has always supported, rather than critically evaluating its principles and policies.

You see, where sentiment thrives, ignorance rules supreme. Ignorance, the perilous foundation upon which so many societal misconceptions and injustices are built, thrives in the shadows of uninformed decisions. It blinds us to the complexity of issues, narrows our perspectives, and fuels prejudice and division. It's a formidable adversary, for it perpetuates itself through generations, shackling minds and impeding progress.

Imagine a community where rumors and hearsay dictate public opinion, where fear and mistrust reign due to a lack of accurate information. In such an environment, misinformation spreads like wildfire,

leading to misguided beliefs and harmful actions. Ignorance becomes a breeding ground for discrimination, intolerance, and injustice, perpetuating cycles of poverty, violence, and despair.

Therefore, it becomes imperative to confront and challenge ignorance, to unveil its cloak of deception and expose the truths it conceals. This entails a conscious effort to seek knowledge, to question assumptions, and to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. By arming ourselves with information and understanding, we dismantle the barriers that ignorance erects and pave the way for enlightenment and progress.

Consider the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. By providing access to quality schooling and empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to thrive, persons and communities can uplift themselves from economic hardship and create a better future for generations to come. Moreover, initiatives aimed at promoting media literacy and critical thinking equip people with the tools to discern fact from fiction in an age of information overload.

In essence, what we truly need is a time to kill ignorance—a time to dismantle the walls it constructs around us and liberate ourselves from its grasp. This necessitates a proactive pursuit of education and enlightenment, both individually and collectively. It requires us to challenge ingrained biases, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to embrace the transformative power of knowledge.

It underscores the importance of personal growth in all aspects of life. Growth isn't just about acquiring skills or accumulating wealth; it's about expanding our minds, refining our perspectives, and nurturing empathy and understanding. It's a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement, one that empowers us to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and compassion.

As we reflect on the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 3; “A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;” let us recognize that there is indeed a time to kill—not in the sense of destruction or violence, but in the eradication of ignorance and the cultivation of knowledge. It's a time to embrace enlightenment, to strive for personal growth, and to forge a brighter future for generations to come. I think this is the best time to do that.