By Dr. Synesio Lyra, Jr.
Although I have never been a leadership guru, nor ever desire or plan to be one, through the years I’ve been examining the theories of several legitimate experts on the subject. I also have closely observed the practices of several who wished to be viewed as leaders, which only some legitimately could be!
Leadership is necessary in every sector of human endeavors. Leaders are the human instruments necessary to provide direction to a cause, or to an enterprise, if these are to move ahead, make a significant contribution, and leave a valuable legacy behind, having achieved its purpose!
A leader, as such, leads through motivation, by example, with encouragement, and in providing to followers healthy strategies which enable and ensure them in reaching the desired goals. It must be a capable, reliable individual who is unafraid to be visible, and be noticed always en route to where the followers need to proceed in the direction leading to ultimate success!
That’s why the physical image of a leader is someone consistently on the go, moving decisively forward, with one or more advancing right behind, all proceeding in the same direction! If no one is following, that person is not leading; such individual may have the title, may be viewed by some as such, but leadership is far more than a mere designation applied to someone; it’s a major task with a definite destination and a set time frame!
Some leaders may be just appointed to that role, based on demonstrated knowledge, abilities, and past results; others may choose that position for themselves, being able to convince key persons of their expertise and capacity to accomplish what that role entails and demands.
True leadership should never originate merely through preferential treatment of a friend or relative; it should not necessarily be a hereditary position, much less a mere prize for certain favors provided on behalf of anyone powerful enough to make that appointment.
The ability of getting along with others, of handling finances wisely, of making difficult decisions with utmost caution and demonstrated wisdom, besides clear directives to all followers, are among the most essential pre-requisites for effective leadership at any level, in any field of human endeavor. Ultimately, a leader must know where he is going and cautiously remain on course to arrive at the proposed destination!