Presently, when looking at the concept of leadership, it is presented and perceived in a unidimensional fashion. Just the mere mention of the word leadership itself suggests only religious, political, and organisational leadership. This could also be the main reason why true leadership may be facing extinction and be replaced with pseudo-leadership.
Often the question is asked whether leaders are born or made, which is an admission of a narrow understanding of a rather multi-faceted concept. From this perspective, one would think that leadership in its current form and presentation is rather meant to weaken than to empower and foster an environment for the establishment of genuine leadership at all levels and aspects.
In our present time, leadership standards and criteria seem to have been greatly lowered, thereby creating an immense leadership vacuum in many spheres. Not only has the standard been lowered but there is also something flawed about its interpretation and understanding. Seemingly, among many, is an assumption that political leadership is single-handedly accountable for both the successes or failures of all levels and spheres of society. This then clearly is indicative of an escape of many facets of society from their responsibility and placing the weight onto governments as almighty entities.
From a villager’s perspective, leadership is multidimensional. It must be viewed from both macro and micro levels, horizontally, vertically, and even perpendicularly. To properly place us in such a position, our geographical location, and traditional and cultural aspects must also be put into consideration, instead of blindly accepting concepts of leadership that are detached from our own history, values, and tradition. Concepts that in many cases come with heavy subliminal costs and with their installation and indoctrination submerged under academic institutions.
From the furthest of the village, the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” holds more than its face value.
From this perspective, a child must take individual responsibility for leading themselves, first in their individual capacity and circle of influence. Of course, the parent has the responsibility to guide and provide relevant favourable conditions, but the child must never at any point be unconscious of their responsibility to make sound decisions and take actions that lead their daily life as a member of a family unit, village, and society. It is from this very formative stage that a child is made aware of their potential, not only to become the village headman but as well as their responsibility for self-concept that bears admirable for the self and others. From a villager’s perspective, leadership is not a title, nor is it mere inspirational words, but action. It is an embodiment of high values and service to others. It is requiring a deep quest for wisdom and achievement of common goals with favourable outcomes for all. It is not grandiose attainment for the chosen few but an innate element that is in everyone. Its natural inclination is not glorification or self-gratification but rather a selfless submission for the service of others.
Therefore, acknowledging that leadership is part of our nature dismisses not only the question of whether leaders are born or made but also invites an expansive understanding of leadership. By default, every one of us is a leader at every opportunity and position we find ourselves in society. We all collectively hold the power to determine the world we want to live in and the life we would like to experience. Not realising this would be our biggest mistake; we will eventually place ourselves in the position of inferiority and give up our natural freedoms and independence only to become subjects of the self-selected few.
*karlsimbumusic@gmail.com
Uncommon Sense is published every Friday in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimhwaka