A call to leadership is a path to influence, selfless service, sacrifice, integrity, impact, relevance etc. A lot has been said, written on leadership but there is still need to write on the topic and more to be learnt especially in this part of the world where emphasis is on the culture and tradition.
Culture and traditions should strengthen and solidify your leadership edge to impact others
Leadership starts with you. You are supposed to start leading yourself even before leading others, this should start from a younger age. As you cultivate and develop your leadership skills, it extends to others and you start to influence them. Some people will be ready to follow, emulate and learn from you when they believe in you.
True leaders often get to identify other people with inherent leadership even without being assigned a position. I came across a book titled “So many leaders with little leadership.” Some people are occupying the position or acting like a leader whereas they don’t have the capacity to handle such roles which means they will frustrate their subordinate or act in a manner which may affect other people’s esteem. In most cases they will boss them around. I believe there is room for continuous learning and improvement in this area and other areas of life.
A renowned leadership author and speaker, John C.Maxwell quotes “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” This shows that leadership should start with you, your person, personality, values, character and how you deal with people is key, before it extends to the vision in your head. Oftentimes vision brings people together especially in the corporate world but it is this buying into the leadership that determines their longevity at the organization.
As educators, people around you will tune in and dance to your vision to the volume of your interest. People want to see that you are equally as interested in the vision before they make their commitment. If you don’t give the full commitment to your vision, then don’t expect a total commitment from others either.
The law of attraction says you will attract the people like you, so give your best to develop your leadership and your vision will get the best hands.
________________ Opeyemi Ojo is an Insightful writer with 2 books. She has a Master's Degree in Educational Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Lagos. Obtained a Bachelor’s and Diploma Degree in Aquaculture and Fishery Management from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. Opeyemi has worked as a Lecturer, School Administrator & School Monitor. A member of the TRCN, NIM & FISON. She is the Lead at IMPROVEMENT CENTRE as a School Development & Improvement Specialist. She is a Certified Strategic Life Coach and Personal Development Coach. She is the C.E.O. of Opscy Bookcity. Opeyemi is a Facilitator at Equip/Beyond Success non profit Organization of John C. Maxwell. @improvementcentre:IG Opeyemi Ojo on LinkedIn theimprovementcentre@gmail.com
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