Today, I’d like to share some thoughts on SELF-KNOWLEDGE, NETWORKING AND STRATEGIC THINKING
as quintessential traits worth acquiring in global leadership. This is the concluding part of our last post on TOP MOST POWERFUL SKILLS GLOBAL LEADERS REQUIRE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
So, I believe the importance of Self-knowledge as a key peculiarity for effective leadership is incontestable. Throughout history, there has never been a more suitable time to articulate the need for self-knowledge, self-development and self-understanding as a criterion for excellence in leadership. For a fact, there can be no societal, institutional as well as positive global impact if leaders lack a good awareness of the SELF. It is an ancillary quality which in itself rocks the bedrock of all qualities that may be thought of; ‘salient but solid, unspoken but pivotal. All successful leaders have a high level of self-awareness and discovery. This is what puts them in the position of leadership in the first place!
The 21st century desires leaders who’ve got profound self-knowledge; leaders who appreciate and capitalize on their strengths, capacities and capabilities; while also developing the best intuitive skills; leaders who exude confidence, deep self-esteem, self-worth, and uphold a positive mind-set and attitude towards the events of life. In this age of information, I believe that leaders (or anyone aspiring to be one) must reinvent themselves consistently and update their knowledge with the most relevant information. Are you an aspiring leader? Pick up and read an autobiography of any accomplished leader. You just may find you in there!
Networking and Collaboration (NC). This ‘duo’ is essential for effective leaders in today’s world. Developing the acumen for networking gives you access to people from diverse background, orientation, culture; provides helpful resources as well as connects you to mentors. More, leaders have access to resources and information by virtue of their partnership and alliance with like-minded people, institutions and organizations sharing similar visions and goals. This enables the 21st century leader solve human fundamental problems, multiply his existences-as it were; and more importantly creating life-transforming opportunities for those he leads. This is an indispensible skill the modern leader must seek to birth his vision.
The modern world hinges on NC for its survival and continued existence, and as such, leaders who neglect their networks may just fizzle out in their critical role as leaders. In addition to building strong networks and partnerships, a leader of this age must have good communication skills; develop healthy inter-personal relationships, exhibit diplomatic acumen, emotional intelligence as well as display good team spirit. Zig Ziglar depicts this clearly: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want” This is what leveraging and networking is about!
Finally, today’s leadership should characterize Strategic and Innovative Thinking. The post-modern environment is no longer conducive for obsolete thinking models. The pace of development and the dynamism of change, coupled with the convergence of the world into one global village not only demands strategic thinking leaders who can proffer practical solutions to the problems of the world, but creative leaders whose ingenuity would heighten innovations in politics, business, health, religion, culture and in every ramification of a society.
The speed of scientific and technological advancement in today’s world can no longer accommodate retrogressive thoughts, ideas and lifestyles. We need leaders whose brains are working consistently (with some rest, of course!) and whose thoughts are progressive, innovative and well-meaning; leaders who understand the perfect distinction between humans and machines, as well as accord each their respective roles; leaders whose morality is guided by sound judgment; leaders who uphold and respect the fundamentality of human dignity; authentic servant-leaders, really!
About the Author:
Fidelis Bonaventure Uzoma, is a Career Diplomat, a seasoned Public Speaker and a Human Impact Strategist. He is a graduate of Philosophy; and currently a postgraduate student of Diplomacy and Strategic Studies. He is the Founder of Young African Diplomats Network- an initiative that promotes good governance and sanitizes the society through the decency of diplomacy. He is passionate about helping young people discover and harnessing their gifting and potential. He enjoys helping people, as well as empowering, inspiring and affecting lives in the most positive way. He has more helpful thoughts in his blog www.diploimpact.wordpress.com
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