REVITALIZE THE LEADER IN YOU!
How are you going to define leadership? Does it mean being good at your job, being liked by your constituents or colleagues? or being in charge of everyone?
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools”. This statement is very much linked to the prodigious TV series “Game of Thrones”. In the said series, the whole land of Westeros is inhabited by seven houses ruled by seven prominent families. Due to greed for power, these families fight one another for the glory of sitting in the Iron Throne. In line, their pre-occupation with the battle amongst themselves hindered them to see the danger lurking outside their lands— the dead— thus, making them vulnerable to be conquered by the Death King. If you closely look at the situation in the series, it is not different to what we are experiencing today in the country. The Philippines is tenanted by 100 million people ruled by their local government, the three branches and government, 297 representatives, 24 senators, a vice president, and a president. Hence, we have more people fighting for their own purposes and desires. And we cannot also deny that we are guilty of this.Istherereallyleadershipinourmidst?Whatifweputitinthework/schoolscenario?
When we were young, the word “leader” demands so much to us, especially in the school setting. This means that we are the head of the group, possibly the most intelligent or diligent. So, the other members tend to depend on the head. Same goes with the work, which is more technical, aside from the nature of being liked by many, being in charge of the work, and being the spotlight, one can be identified as the leader in school, which for others, are opportunities? Well, let’s go on the shadows of those who keep to speak without rhythms on their mouths; how about those people who choose not to because they don’t believe themselves? Or they just choose not to speak because they believe that leaders must move.
Maybe this is the reason why only a few speaks their minds when they grow up and be an active part of the society. They were used to becoming “just” members who merely follow the path of a leader. Dangerously, we seldom disagree to errors for we believe that the leaders can accomplish everything correctly by just their wits. Worse it when endeavours are not accomplished, we only blame a sole person— the leader.
With this, reforms in the concept of leadership should begin in teaching and in the early years of a person’s life. It should be instilled in the young minds that a leader is not just a single person. Leadership is innate in each individual. We may not have a title to support our names, but we are still capable of effecting positive influence in the lives of other people and in the society we live in.
This is the exact need of the country— people who can lead their own conduits without being a sleuth of another. Our individual aspirations constitute the total power of the Philippines to rise above and beyond. Without the effort of each person, we could not move forward for we are one house and a house will not prosper if something withers inside.
“Leader” is just a title. Indeed, it is not a title granted to everyone; however, its nature and implications is for everyone to enjoy and have in their heart.
We are all leaders; we should always be, even others feel are not, even others feel were not, and even others feel will not. May it be in work or any place, surround yourself with a positive attitude toward everything being placed on the table. Disregard the hates, just continue serving others, and create a massive change to the hearts of many. Do not ask for a reward, because being a true leader doesn’t need recognitions.
Leadership doesn’t have a one size fits all solution, and there is no magic formula that will instantly make you a great leader (Kona Coaching, 2017).
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The author is OIC of Sitio Target Integrated School, Angeles City