Preamble
The year is 1942 and a 13 year old boy goes on to become the assistant manager of a newspaper delivery station. This young boy later went on to skip a few classes and got into college rather early. As he sojourned through adolescence, he began to enter years of deep thinking and frequent questioning particularly as regard his christian faith. Was religion complete or were there vital missing pieces? did Jesus really resurrect?
This trait slowly evolved into a love for logic, debate and public speaking – the man was Martin Luther King Jr.
Introduction
This is meant to be our very first notes for the 360 leaders tribe. I will keep this short and apt. In the last couple of years, so much has been said about leadership and it goes without doubts that we all agree on the value of leadership in organisations and the society as a whole.
Everything rises and falls on leadership – John C. Maxwell
Like the head, it is impossible to imagine how we would survive without it. 100% of the human body’s main senses are domiciled in the head alone. It is through these senses that we perceive the world and make decisions for which our brain then co-ordinates our body to respond to.
Leadership is about having tools that allow you to assimilate data, process the data into relatable information and then transform these information into insights that drive decision making both for you and your followers. – Otobong Peter
Yes, this process is not necessarily independent. It requires the openness of mind to know that anyone could be a vital key in the process. As a leader you don’t necessary have to be the guy who figures everything out, but you must be the guy who can always inspire others to figure things out if need be.
So back to the model of Martin Luther King Jnr.
I am pretty sure that at this point you must be wondering where this vehicle is headed. It started with a story, then veered into some big talk. I assure you that we are on track.
Back to the story… It is easy to see that Dr. Luther King had certain qualities that defines a leader right from a very young age. The classic debate of nature vs. nurture has lasted centuries but regardless of your school of thought; environment, context and opportunities ultimately shapes who we become.
- The son of a clergy.
- Raised to read the bible daily with the rich historical background in it.
- An ardent mind of a questioner.
- A family that would allow a 13yr old to work.
- Education.
- Social interaction. (debate and public speaking)
Yes, it is a fact that we are all born different with our varied strengths and opportunities. But, one would wonder if it is possible that we can train people to become great leaders?
My answer: an emphatic yes!!!
It does not matter whether you are timid, shy etc anybody can be trained to become a better leaders and that is why we founded 360 leadership network. But before we do that let me quickly define or redefine leadership.
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Redefining Leadership
Leadership has different definitions. I am not going to attempt to give a definition here but I would do my best to create a context that would allow you create a mental mould to test any assumption of what leadership is and what it is not.
What leadership is not:
- Leadership is not rulership or about dominating people.
- Leadership is not about the occupation of an office.
- Leadership does not have a title.
What leadership is:
- Leadership is about knowing the way, walking the way and showing the way.
- Leadership is about living your beliefs and teachings. i.e living by example.
- Leadership is about taking responsibilities regardless of the role you find yourself.
- Leadership is a set of qualities and traits that can be learned.
- Leadership is about taking responsibility for your actions.
Beyond The Popular Definition of Leadership
Beyond the popular notion of leadership, one thing is clear: that everything in the world revolves round people and our daily interaction. You do not have to be in charge of 5000 people to be a leader. Once you begin to take responsibility for your life, you become a leader. So it is an aptitude that flows from inside and then out. You have to first become a successful leader of your own life and then you can earn the credentials to successfully leader others.
Beyond leadership as a whole is the most important aspect of self leadership. Every decision you make matters and anytime you read any subject on leadership you must first think about how it can change you or make you better first. Only after knowing the way and walking the way can you properly assist others to follow you.
Beyond leadership is YOU, and that is the most important character in your story.
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