The story of humanity is the story of the interplay of leadership: by this, I mean the continuous rise and fall of a vision, a mission-based edifice, a people, a leader! When I saw Antoine Faqua's Olympus Has Fallen, something within me got thrilled and devastated at the same time. I simply felt sad at the sight of the White House being "down"! More painful was the loss of patriots and innocent citizens. For the better part however, good movies always have a way resolving its conflict.
The Trojan War also rings a bell in this respect: lives and properties plundered, city torn down, the invasion of the gods etc... The bottom-line of such scenario points that leadership is the dictator of virtually everything worthwhile in life.
The World environment today...
Ours is a world characterized by high level of scientific and technological advancement, continuous globalization, and social affiliations, wide-spread of beliefs, amongst others. This era is the most dynamic, rapidly evolving and fast-paced in the history of the economy of the world. The realities and circumstances of this day are no more the same as that of the medieval or ancient epoch.
What it implies...
It merely suggests that the extent to which there can be immense contribution to the dynamism of this century is factored on how effective the leaders perform, and what solid impact is evidenced by their leadership styles.
Leadership is the art and practice of taking a peoples vision, hopes, and dreams to the expected end. Napoleon Bonaparte – a one-time charismatic leader of France- defines a “leader as a dealer in hope”. John Quincy Adams would teach that “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”. Effective leadership, however, is the art of bringing about transformation and positive change in the society by harnessing available resources for human well-being and environmental sustainability.
Who do we Need?
The contemporary world is in need of exemplary, dedicated, and transformative leaders whose passion seeks the good and betterment of the led. For a fact, the styles and types of leadership today is predicated and appreciated on delivery and sustainability. This is true when one looks around and observes obvious changes, growth, and advancement in the lives and environment of a people whose hopes, needs and expectations was hitherto abashed. It is interesting to note that successful leaders bring a people, (not necessarily to where they want to be), but more importantly, to where they should be.
There are political, religious, economic, cultural, educational leaders etc in the world today whose roles, styles, delivery, and impactful strategies qualify as amazing, effective and exemplary for future leaders. There are also those whose leading counteracts the flourishing of its people. For the latter, such leaders lack the necessary ingredients and essential traits quintessential for the leadership of its people.
Basic Principles of Leadership
The 21st century leadership role places so much emphasis on acquiring key skills and developing character traits, relevant to the demands of today’s world. What then are some of the secrets of effective leaders in 21st century?
Vision
Vision is an essential trait of contemporary leaders. This is the ability of leader(s) to see in clear terms what lies ahead. Studies, shows that most real leaders share one singular thing in common as a means of direction: visionionary focus. It is key to any well-meaning, people-oriented leader. Visionary leadership is basically about focusing on what matters most. Vision is what determines the destiny and purpose of the led. The ability to visualize the future from now is a clear distinctive factor in the scope of modern leadership.
Political, social, religious and business leaders must be persons with a vision for the future and destiny of its people. This is pivotal as where vision is lost, people perish haplessly.
It is also vital that visionary leaders understand the need for consistent focus on what is necessary and important to the existence and betterment of the society. I proffer that a strategic way of developing and initiating this trait/skill is by having an understanding of the past and evaluating the present. This simply, clarifies the grey areas of life challenges and gives the future a prospect. Indeed, future leaders must be eagle-eyed, focused, and optimistic if they desire to affect their generation positively.
In my next post on this topic, we would journey into Self-Awareness as a key player in effective leadership.
What other skills do you consider essential for a 21st century leader? Over to you!
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 their giftings and strengths. He enjoys empowering, inspiring and affecting lives positively. And owns a blog www.diploimpact.wordpress.com
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