By ’Seun Adeogun
"It is the same with men as with donkeys: whoever would hold them fast must first get a very good grip on their ears" -Russian proverb
Recently, I saw a couple of Nigerian political debates for 2011 electoral aspirants on TV and I was a bit disappointed by the performances of some of the participants. I observed several impediments on the part of some of the electoral candidates who partook in the debate.
While some of the candidates performed very well, hence winning the interest of the audience and panel, a few who performed averagely couldn’t get the hears and hearts of the viewers and panel, they were left out psychologically..
Carol Kent, a renowned public speaker and trainer once said, "Most people make a quick judgment. If your delivery captures their initial interest, you may have the advantage. If not they may leave the room mentally and not really hear what you have to say" this really outplayed during the debate.
In this peiece, I love to share with you five things I deem necessary for anyone who desire to lead. These tips are reputation tool kits necessary for an aspiring leader.
The Need to have Good Grasp of the State of Affairs
During one of the debates, some of the aspirants do not display a good grasp of the state of affairs. To some extent, this affected their perception. An aspiring leader ideally shouldn’t be shallow when discussing issues he proposes to address-if given the mandate. An average Nigerian knows the challenges within the polity, but as an aspiring leader, you should be holistic in understanding the "core parts of these issues. He should be harmed with facts and figures when addressing issues. This largely, determines his competence as an aspiring leader.
The Need to Have a Good State
Having a good intelligent quotient is invaluable to an aspiring leader. In popular Chinese Aphorism, good thinking is equal to good product. A sound mind produces a sound result. Public offices are not meant for unintelligent people. Being knowledgeable and strategic in examining and dealing with public issue is important for an aspiring leader. An aspiring leader should have viable solutions to problems he is prone to be confronted with. He should understand what the office requires, prepare ahead for the task and be ready to handle issues strategically and tactically. Problem solving is a quick route to leadership. The essence of leadership is to solve people problems, perhaps service to the people.
The Need to Build and Sustain a Good Reputation
Reputation is built inside out. An aspiring leader should have have a good reputation. Consequenltyly, he should be careful what he/she say or do. his actions might be used against him at anytime. If he desire to lead, he would have to be conscious of his habits and actions. Human beings are creators of habits. Our habits can either make or mar our aspiration. Character and attitude are essentials to a leader's reputation. People adjudge you most times, based on your actions and decision in the past. Nothing is hidden in this world. Having a good character is quite essential to every aspiring leader. Good reputation is built gradually.
The Need to Sharpen One’s Verbal Skill and Confidence
I also observed during the debates that a section of the aspirants (debaters) who have meaningful programmes were not harmed with the required verbal and oratory prowess to persuade the audience. While one of the presidential candidates at the debate couldn’t speak English, few of them spoke badly. The ability to speak, communicate ideas, development, issues and vision is key to leadership. No matter how good a leader’s manifesto and programmes are, how well they are articulated and delivered matters a lot. Suffix to say, "Powerful tools must be matched by a great tool-communication". Elocution is a plus.
The Need to Have a Prove of Achievement
In similar vein life is about meaningful contribution to the betterment of the people. An apsiring leader need to add value to people lives starting from his living rooom, to his neighbourhood and workplace, etc. Private victory begets public victory. It is always good to have something worthy to show for one's efforts and activities over the years rather than having something to show against people. Leadership requires some level of pro-activity. Reasonably, you can’t give what you don’t have. You can’t lead a nation when you are unable to lead your family or local community successfully. You must start from somewhere. Ideally, public office is meant for accomplished individuals, those with proven track records in their private endeavours and capable to lead effective.
Conclusively, in the words of Dr. Stephen Covey, if you have to make a whole new contribution, you’ve got to make a whole new preparation. Being effective as individuals and organizations is no longer optional in today’s world-it is the price of entry to the playing field.
thoughtful...thanks
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