THIS election has proved that in Zimbabwe, it’s no longer enough to lure (entice, attract, induce, or persuade) people with gifts, money, fame and promises in exchange for votes.
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” once said Theodore Roosevelt, an American politician, statesman, soldier, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909.
Now, we need sincere leadership. You don’t need to be in politics to be effective, but you need to be effective to be in politics. This article makes an analysis of genuine leadership and what we need as a country going forward. Zimbabwe is a country with innumerable resources, but it has failed on resourcefulness.
Ability
Genuine leadership must be governed by proper expertise and experience. Leaders must have a deep understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and use their capacities to bring out the best in their communities and those around them.
There is no reason to vote for leaders without ability or perennial failures.
Action
Leadership without works is fruitless. Great leaders execute their promises. They lead by example and are willing to roll up their sleeves and get themselves dirty. Genuine leaders inspire trust and earn the respect of their followers who will then join to help the leader accomplish a goal.
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Anointing
I chose the word carefully as I know that it has a religious meaning. Genuine leaders are purpose-driven and know their specific wiring. Genuine leaders are not self-proclaimed, they are attested and recognised by others. So, in this instance, we strip titles and positions.
Agility
The best book to read on agility is one by John Kotter, titled Accelerate. These are pliable leaders who are in turn with change and adopt relevant tools to solve problems. They are not afraid of change, and as such they make changes to create, innovate and grow. Their agility enables them to navigate through challenges and seize emerging opportunities, ensuring the long-term success of their organisations.
Acuity
Great leaders are wise and possess a keen sense of awareness and insight. Their minds can quickly compute complex matters and make calculated moves. Such leaders are listeners, astute observers to the needs and problems affecting people and team members.
Adaptable
Every leader needs to understand the situation around him and respond accordingly. Remember different situations require different strategies and approaches. I usually say a new ailment seeks a new pill. Not every headache needs a painkiller and that will take a leader who has an eye for detail.
Accountable
Key results areas or key performance indicators are central to any leader. Without them, it’s hard to measure. Without measurement, it becomes hard to take someone to account. So, genuine leaders take full responsibility for their goals, actions and decisions.
Also, genuine leaders take responsibility for their mistakes and own up. If Zimbabwe politics has no accountability measures, it will be hard to reach anywhere, worse still to whether we have arrived.
Accepting
We are created different, unique. Genuine leaders fully understand that. Secondly, great leaders understand that they can’t accomplish everything alone. Genuine leaders understand that they must create a safe space for diversity, uniqueness and art to thrive.
Such leaders are not threatened by better people but find means to symbiotically or collaboratively work with them. This cultivates a conducive culture.
Approachable
We are afraid of some leaders because they are not approachable. Most political leaders are not accessible. They just tell us what they are to do without consulting, communicating and collaborating with the electorate. Being approachable also speaks to the ability to listen to team players and value their input.
Assertive
An assertive leader is not afraid to make hard decisions because they are confident. An assertive leader is not afraid to express his thoughts and ideas while respecting the thoughts of others. The leader’s assertiveness stirs confidence in others and encourages others to step up and become part of a bigger goal.
Attentive
Genuine leaders understand emotional intelligence. In other terms, they can actively listen beyond words as they seek to understand thoughts and inner feelings.
They demonstrate empathy and create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued, appreciated and heard.
Authentic
We need leaders that lead from the heart. Such leaders respect principles, values and ethics. They seek to lead and win for the greater good. Their intentions are always clear and they shun a false image. They are real in their moves.
Ambitious
Genuine leaders have a dog-headed determination. They have a clear vision and seek to influence the bigger society.
They are very inspirational and they desire to make a positive impact, positive progress and change. As American systems scientist Peter Senge encourages, ambitious leaders are always learning and seeking to reach new frontiers.
Appreciative
Genuine leaders are very thankful. There is nothing that warms the heart like being thankful to team players. Appreciation uplifts teams and cultivates a positive workspace.
Jonah Nyoni is an author, speaker, and leadership trainer. He can be contacted on Twitter @jonahnyoni. WhatsApp: +263 772 581 918
