Leadership. It’s a word we probably hear mentioned every day, yet its essence holds immense power. From boardrooms to classrooms, social media to community centres, effective leadership shapes our lives and communities, but what truly defines a leader? What are the top qualities of a good leader? And how do we cultivate this vital skill in ourselves and others?
To peel back the layers and uncover the heart of leadership, let’s delve into the insights of renowned leadership experts, Ndidi Nwuneli and Olu Akanmu, our guests on episode 3 of The Leading Woman Show. This episode is about shattering myths, sparking self-reflection, and igniting your leadership journey.
But first, let’s address a very important question.
Is age just a number in leadership?
There is an agelong myth that leadership is reserved for a select few. Young people, hear this loud and clear: you are leaders today and tomorrow. This isn’t just a hopeful statement; it’s a call to action.
We are bombarded with the narrative that we must wait our turn, patiently climb the hierarchical ladder. We must reject this limiting belief. The world needs your fresh perspective, boundless energy, and audacious spirit. Remember, age is just a number, impact is limitless.
If we are to create a brighter future, we must embrace the audacity of young leadership, their fresh perspectives, and boundless energy.
What is true leadership?
True leadership is measured by impact only. Leadership is not a title or a position; it is a constant journey of self-discovery, deep reflection and growth.
Being a Leader is not a trophy; you get for being hard-working, it is a constant journey of self-discovery. Take a moment to ask yourself: what impact are you making? Did you leave things better than you found them? Do you possess the qualities of a good leader? Are you inspiring others to rise and shine? Honest reflection is the fuel that propels you towards becoming a leader who leaves a lasting, positive legacy.
Leaders cultivate the culture
A leader sets the tone. Imagine a workplace buzzing with energy, not just because of the attractive remuneration or beautifully decorated interior, but because the very air crackles with inspiration. That’s the power of a leader who cultivates the right atmosphere. It is about fostering an environment where every individual feels empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. Remember, leadership is not a solo act; it is about igniting the collective fire within your team.
Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about serving a greater good. In today’s complex world, a strong moral compass is your guiding star. Stand firm in your values, make ethical choices, and inspire others to do the same. Be the beacon of integrity that your team and community need, especially when the path gets tough.
Leadership has no gender.
The conversation on leadership often overlooks a crucial demographic: Women. Ndidi tackles this head-on, highlighting the societal conditioning that steers us towards believing leadership is a man’s domain. This is not only untrue but also detrimental. We are missing out on the immense potential of women leaders and their unique perspectives. Leadership isn’t just for men, women leaders bring invaluable perspectives, and diverse strengths to the table. Let’s dismantle the barriers, challenge the biases, and embrace the power of inclusive leadership. The world needs the full spectrum of voices at the helm.
Are women good leaders?
The simple answer to this is yes! In fact, data shows that when you have women onboard, companies outperform their peers and organizations thrive. If it makes business and economic sense, then why can’t women be given leadership opportunities?
It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s also essential for economic and societal progress. Women leaders bring invaluable perspectives, collaborative spirit, and diverse strengths to the table.
Why we need more women in leadership positions.
The conversation on leadership often overlooks a crucial demographic: women. This is a societal conditioning that steers us towards believing leadership is a man’s domain. This is not only untrue but also detrimental. It is time to rewrite the script. Leadership isn’t a man’s world, and anyone who tells you otherwise is stuck in the past.
The numbers are sobering. At our current pace, it will take forever to achieve gender parity in leadership across Africa. But wait, isn’t that unacceptable? It is a dangerous regression, a missed opportunity to leverage the talents and perspectives of half the population.
We are missing out on the immense potential of women leaders, their unique perspectives, and their collaborative spirit.
We must dismantle the systemic barriers that hold women back, from unconscious biases to a lack of flexible work arrangements. We can’t afford to miss out on the talents and perspectives of half the population. Let’s champion quotas, hold individuals and organizations accountable, and create a level playing field where everyone can lead.
How to achieve transformational leadership
Leadership isn’t a spectator sport. It’s a call to action, an invitation to step up, embrace your authenticity, and make a positive impact. This is exactly what we do at WILAN. We help women recognise and accept their leadership potentials through our various programmes designed for women.
As a woman interested in developing your leadership potential, you should be an avid follower of The Leading Woman Show. This show is dedicated to reshaping public perception of women. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch it when we air every Sunday by 6:30 pm. Do follow us on social media, Instagram and LinkedIn. The world needs your unique brand of leadership – go out there and make it happen