Leadership is critical for the future of people, organisations, communities and societies. Inspired by a vision of a better future, true leadership conceives, actualises and leaves a sustainable future for all, and for the benefit of all. However, leadership is not tied to a single person – the ‘messiah’ – or a position. It is worthy of mention that for organizations to achieve their corporate goals, the burden of leadership must be borne by all members with each playing differentiated but complementary leadership roles. No one needs a title to lead. In fact, a person who is not leading without a title cannot lead with a title. Instead he/she will diminish the authority of the title.
Since the test of leadership is followership, anyone can, and many do, lead unconsciously through their actions s or utterances that influence and inspire others to do the same or act in a particular way or achieve a desired future. The crucial difference is conscious and purpose-driven leadership, which is at the core of true leadership. True leadership, which is effective leadership, is about consciously influencing others to embrace and resolutely pursue a cause or desired outcome. True leadership requires purpose-driven actions by persons seeking to make a difference through influencing themselves and others to act in congruence with the outcomes they seek.
True leadership is accordingly different from unconscious leadership. The latter often translates into what is often referred to as ‘misleading’. An unconscious leader may not even realise they are responsible for others going astray. Accordingly, it is true leadership that is required for impactful peer influence and the success of families, organisations, communities and global quests.
A true leader’s leadership is an inside-out conscious exercise that starts with leading oneself to do the right things or that which must be done to achieve a desired end. He/she is not a whiner but a purpose and principle-driven problem-solver who identifies or creates opportunities for him/herself and others to achieve desired outcomes when an opportunity presents itself or by creating the opportunity him/herself. The strength of an organisation, community and society is where there is an unstoppable, pervasive desire by everyone to lead within the context of their assigned roles/schedules.
The Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance (CILG) is an institution that directs leadership-path and seeks to prepare and equip individuals with ideas and innovations geared towards the proper and effective handling of societal values and problems through the teaching of administrative skills and leadership cues. CILG has a mandate of providing monthly newsletter to update the general public of the activities of the institute and also to report on some relevant information of national concern. We challenge you to make it a point to download and read our monthly newsletter and make a conscious effort to make a difference in whatever capacity you find yourself as a leader.
About the Author:
Dr. Asare Bediako Adams is the Director of Operations for the Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance and the Executive Director of PMRIG Group of Companies.
Reprint Policy: You may reprint / publish the above article. All we ask is that you keep all links active, make no changes to article and include the author’s bio. Article Resource: CILG Ghana