I recently attended an intriguing discussion where one of the panellists was a very senior individual serving in public office after having roughed it out to climb the corporate ladder throughout their career.
inspiration with Cynthia C Hakutangwi
When they shared their testimony of how they had to deal with so much discrimination and glass ceilings while juggling the multiple roles in their lives, the audience was left awe struck at how this individual had braved it all and still courageously pursued their career goals with such vigour and determination. I was impressed. I was extremely impressed, but remained very curious about how many doors of opportunities they had taken time to open for fellow women who continue to suffer untold prejudices and harassment in this highly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment.
Understanding the rules of engagement
In the world of etiquette and chivalry, opening doors is traditionally one of the true and distinct marks of a well-refined gentleman. In the world of business, however, such chivalrous behaviour is not only expected from the menfolk but a requirement of any sophisticated professional who understands the rules of engagement in the world of power, hierarchy and good manners. This article is not about chivalry and etiquette, but is rather meant to explore a leadership mindset that everyone should embrace at every level of existence regardless of class, status or position. As a communications and personal leadership development consultant, I have come to appreciate that life is ordered and governed by several push-pull factors. One such is the universal principle of doing for others as you would like done unto you. If you are aiming to go higher in life, the question should not be how many heads and shoulders you step on to make it to the top, but rather how many other people you pull up to come behind you as you mentor and groom others by imparting valuable wisdom. This rule of engagement is so simple yet powerful. Our challenge, especially in the African worldview of leadership, is that we tend to protect and guard jealously our positions of power once we get to the top. We seem to develop a sudden amnesia of our own personal journeys of how we had to rough it out to get where we are. We suddenly seem to develop some simple-minded sadistic notion that expects others to feel the pain that we felt and repeat the mistakes we made on our journey. Is it really necessary for everyone coming behind you to re-invent the wheel?
Changing lives without expecting compensation
The main difference between transactional and transformational leaders is that the latter creates positive, valuable change in individuals and social systems. Leadership is not just about positional title. Leadership is about knowledge, skills, and abilities for transformation. There is a need to address the African worldview and culture when dealing with the development of transformational leadership ideals in leaders because our culture is largely transactional and does not necessarily nurture transformational leadership. Transactional leadership is defined as the influence of a leader toward his subordinates using reward and punishment as a form of motivational medium. The style is based on the concept that a leader has to give something to his followers in exchange for performing certain tasks. On the other hand is the transformational leadership model in which the leader works as a model and a motivator, encouraging the followers to work not because of an exchange of value but for the love of their work. The transformational leader is a mentor and coach who takes time to open doors for others and take them to the next level without expecting any compensation in return.
Make the best out of the year
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
I choose to look at 2017 with an eye of optimism, especially on the backdrop of the “Africa Rising” narrative. It is very easy to remain focused on the socio-economic challenges that we face as a continent and on a micro level as organisations or households. The challenging facts cannot be ignored but the truth is what we choose to believe and hold dear in our hearts. I choose to believe that we can collectively make the best out of 2017 when we take time to open doors for others. There is something unique and greater in the next person that just needs a platform of exposure — and you may be that person who holds the keys for that individual’s unique gift and talent to be exposed. I think we’ve spent a lot of years being frustrated, disappointed, and disillusioned with our leaders. The whole idea of being a leader has become unattractive. I think it’s time to lighten the leadership load and get leadership back to what’s most essential: creating opportunities for those whom you are privileged to lead. Effective leadership isn’t about having power over people, it’s about doing good for people. Connecting others is often seen by most people as a risk. What’s in it for me? What if things go wrong? And worst of all; what if they don’t need me anymore? But great leaders realise there is more than enough to go around. What doors have you opened for others lately? It is never too late to start, make 2017 a unique year of creating opportunities for others and remember that life has a way of multiplying what you give in purity.
Cynthia is a communications and personal development consultant, a life coach, author, and strategist. She serves as the executive director of Africa Reform Institute, an organisation whose mandate is to enable citizen participation in value-based leadership for sustainable socio-economic development in Africa. If you would like assistance in personal leadership development as you plan towards your significant goals, you can contact her on: E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: Wholeness Incorporated.
