Robin Sharma’s book, ‘Leading Without a Title’, echoes the call to not only redefine leadership but to also undergo a greater shift in our mindset about leadership.
Often, when thinking of leadership, the first images that come to mind are those of corporate, political, traditional or religious leadership.
The danger this poses is that, in some way, it subconsciously eases our sense of collective responsibility and gives us scapegoats to blame when things go wrong.
Additionally, it disempowers us, allowing our lives and destinies to be controlled by those to whom we have naively given our power. But who is really to blame?
Honestly, only ourselves.
This is because we often want to live in a peaceful and prosperous society, yet we act recklessly and carelessly.
It even extends to outsourcing the responsibility for our individual and societal well-being. Instead of taking care of our health in daily habits, we carelessly consume whatever is available because somewhere in a health center, there is a doctor who must fix a problem we have imposed on ourselves.
Imagine if we all made a conscious decision to be leaders where we are – leaders in our homes, friendships, relationships, workplaces and every interaction with others. Imagine if we all took a step and deliberately decided that from today onward, we will treat others exactly how we wish to be treated.
Imagine if every word we speak is kind and compassionate.
Of course, it is one thing to imagine a peaceful and prosperous world, but it is another to expect it to happen miraculously without collective conscious effort and commitment.
We can wish for a wonderful world as much as we want, but without everyone’s conscious choice to make it a reality, it will remain just a wish. In our complete surrender of personal responsibility and power, we might believe that the sustainable goals – often seen as the devil in angel’s clothing – will truly bring us heaven on earth.
Yet, what is more foolish is to think that, just as much as we desire a peaceful and prosperous world, there are forces out there with equal or greater intentions to turn that world upside down. `Therefore, the call is not only to take leadership in every circle of influence consciously but also to stay alert for psyops masquerading as good intentions.
We must also beware of the wolves, promising to become vegetarians if we vote for them. Otherwise, we risk remaining pawns and pieces on a chessboard.
*Uncommon Sense is published in the New Era with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos