Leadership in the 21st Century
Nikko G. Manicdao
Leadership in the 21st century vastly shifted from what we thought it was. People belong in a particular organization or institution perceived leadership as giving orders, sitting in the office waiting for people to report on the state of the organization or how it functions in general. To an entirely different perspective on that, especially in the educative process, there is a huge difference between being a leader, and being a boss.
In today’s day and age, being a “boss” and being a “leader” has a total new dimension. If you would to be a boss, you never lead people. How this statement will be given a concrete explanation? Especially, in the field of education where leadership is paramount to take the teachers, learners, and other stakeholders of educative process to where they supposed to be.
Being a boss and leader is sometimes being used interchangeably. But what is really the difference? A boss is a person who lays down orders for his people to follow, he does not listen to suggestions, takes the credit of success, and thinks that he is superior than the rest in the organization. A leader, however, is entirely different. A leader sets the vision and goal of the organization. W here he would like to take his people. A leader is a good communicator as well. In sense that where he will communicate that vision and goal to its people and how vital the cooperation of everyone in realizing the vision and goal set by him. A leader will empower, capacitate his people to achieve targeted results. People’s growth and development is tantamount in realization of the set vision and goals.
Furthermore, a leader does not force people to follow him. Instead, he will make people commit themselves into to the vision and goal of the organization as whole. This will be done through effective leadership. How to manage different types of people, how manage egos, how make people disregard their differences and focus on one common goal. how to realize unity in diversity in the organization.
Moreover, a leader uses extensive strategies and techniques to make the vision and goal of the organization into reality. He understands that there no one strategy or technique that fits all. He does not dictate what needs to be done and how it is to be done. Instead, he lays down the things to be done and provide different ways to get things done. He understands that people do things differently. but as long as their actions lead to one the vision and goal of the organization it is okay. A leader should not be confined with traditional ways on how to get things done. he needs to thing outside the box to introduce innovations and good changes in the organization and to his people.
Finally, leadership is always a combination of sound mind and good heart towards the welfare of the people and the organization. An excellent leader understands what needs to be done, how it is to be done. These things require the mental excellence from the leader. However, it is not the sole ingredient towards effective leadership. A leader must also possess a compassionate heart that cares about his people and the organization. Being great leader requires an unprecedented qualities from an individual to be one. indeed, it is difficult it is not easy. Anyway, when it comes to doing the right thing, it will never be easy. But, is it doable? The answer to the is certainly, YES! And all leaders will have that kind of mentality, I think the world will start to be a better place.
The author is Teacher
--oOo-
II at Magalang Elementary School.