Ogar Solomon Ogar|17 September 2017
Almost daily, we are being bombarded with news of socio political issues in YALA. There’s the hunger problems, the economic crisis, the healthcare crisis, the unemployment challenge, the educational downturn etc. However, there’s one challenge eating deep into our fabric —the LEADERSHIP QUESTION!
A definition of leadership is: the ability to create a positive vision for the future and guide or direct others in that direction. We’re in crisis mode in Yala making movements without motion. Which leaders are making things better?
The political arena is a nightmare. Sociopolitical and human capital development is at an appalling 17% approval rate and yet obstructionism rules the day. How do our elected and appointed officials sleep at night when they are charged with doing “the people’s business” and 83% of the people think they’re not providing leadership?
It’s astonishing that no one has the courage to rise above partisanship or personal interest to break the incredible leadership logjam YALA desperately needs. There’s much to cheer as we countdown to another round of politicking which is already one giant shouting match between the would be gladiators.
How can this happen when so many important issues need to be addressed in YALA. I believe strong and effective leadership is in short supply because many people in positions of power don’t really understand how to deliver it and worse many aren’t very open to learning how to do it. Strong leadership is not about winning at all costs. It’s not about beating your opponent into the ground. It’s not about dogma, charm or charisma. Strong and effective leadership is about having a set of core beliefs and acting on them. It’s about principles, integrity, authenticity, and candor. It’s about the willingness to take smarter risks and experiment with new ways of doing things. And it requires a heavy dose of courage and personal accountability to stand up for your beliefs and not be afraid to admit when you screw things up.
I can hear the snickering already — how naïve can you be? This isn’t rocket science world but the real world of political leadership. The fact is that people are craving effective leadership but lacks the uprightness and tact to lead. The led are left with no option but to gallivant with the winds due to the astronomical rise in hunger and poverty.
There is a reason President Obama’s campaign took off the way it did in 2008. People were inspired and excited to have a leader promising "Hope and Change". The bad news for the president is there’s a price you pay for making a bold promise and not fully delivering on it.
Given our bleak leadership scenario in YALA, what do we do as a people? First we must recognize the significant consequences of this downward leadership spiral. Innovation and change that work in government, business, sports, communities and even families don’t happen by chance or osmosis — or without some type of sacrifice. For Yala to be a “shining city on the hill”, we need leaders who have a clear cut picture of what a better future looks like. Leaders who have the courage to step up, push hard against the prevailing winds and resistance to change. Leaders who will do the heavy lifting to get people to work together in a way that makes a difference. Leaders who understand that to really succeed they must go the extra mile to push and make a landmark.
The leadership question is timely. Look at the result of the last voters registration exercise. Almighty Yala has been relegated to the background all because of the individualistic and selfish ambitions of our perceived leaders. YALA used to have the highest voting strength in the state but today we have been shortchanged. Where did we get it wrong? Let the political class close ranks and give us a political focus and leadership direction.
Ogar Solomon Ogar
Is a Social Commentator
