KAMBWILI AT CROSS-ROADS

EMBATTLED NDC consultant Chishimba Kambwili must be gnashing his teeth and regretting in his innermost for his recent flip-flopping political stunts. The man is struggling to put up a brave posture in the face of adversity from the NDC inner-circle and from the general public. Although he is carrying himself plucky, Mr Kambwili is dwarfed inwardly and whenever he gets in solitary. He is facing rebellion all-around because of his bully type of approach even on issues that could be easily tackled over a cup of tea. Perhaps, it is time his organisation or people close to him offered him some tips on leadership and public conduct. Mr Kambwili lacks empathy, a necessary ingredient in quality leadership. He ought to develop the ability to appreciate and understand other people’s feelings and experiences. It is important for a political leader to put themselves in other people’s shoes, such as the vulnerable and voiceless. With such a trait, Mr Kambwili would be able to restrain himself from indulging in matters that usually bring him embarrassment. For instance, he would not have confronted that Indian compactor operator in the manner he did if he was empathetic. He would have instead engaged his employers. Intelligence is also another trait that must never miss in a political leader; emotional intelligence can really assist the Roan Member of Parliament to tone down. He would be able to handle interpersonal relationships more judiciously and also control his emotions if he embraced emotional intelligence. It would also be ideal for him to understand and employ humility while at the same time learning to cooperate with others; accommodating other people’s views. In politics one cannot shy away from the public and thus requires civility. This is because politicians interact with the public and individuals of varying temperament in the course of their duties. However, it is not too late for Mr Kambwili to adjust even in the face of dwindling political fortunes. The NDC is too fragile a political movement for Mr Kambwili to remain acid-tongued instead of being humble and courteous. He should tone down and embrace true leadership skills. Leadership is not an undertaking that should be employed haphazardly. One must be able to attract and inspire followers. As multi-award winning influential blogger, Lisa Cash Hanson, once said: “leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished.” The Bible is also explicit on leadership as demonstrated in the Book of 1 Timothy 3:2-3: “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” From this Bible text, it is clear that a leader must not be quarrelsome, but must be gentle and hospitable whatever the circumstances. This means that even in the face of extreme provocation, a leader must remain gentle and calm. Alas, this is not the case with the embattled politician, who is now caught up in a web of flip-flopping. The drama in NDC is not pleasant. General Secretary Mwenya Musenge fired him and in response, Kambwili fired Musenge. To try and wield some authority, he appointed national youth chairman Charles Kabwita as General Secretary, but embarrassingly the young man turns down Mr Kambwili’s offer, branding it illegal. Mr Kambwili is at cross-roads!