Recycled leadership - A Bahamian pandemic

Tue, May 26th 2015, 12:14 AM

The definition of the word ‘recycle’ often includes reference to the processing of materials that would otherwise be regarded as waste or having no utility in order to reuse them. It describes the return or conversion of an item or resource that would ordinarily be disposed of into a state that would allow for use again.

Recycling has become a key word in the 21st century as we seek to be better custodians and guardians of the gifts of nature that have been entrusted to us on this planet. Hence, we have taken steps as good citizens of the world to conserve trees, water and the environment as a whole by being more responsible in our daily lives.

The concept of recycling has a different meaning when used in the context of the leadership of organizations, entities, groups and countries. While there are some benefits in taking advantage of the experience and wisdom of individuals who have made their contributions to an entity or society, there are major consequences for the future if recycling becomes the norm.

And so the question arises: Do we have a pandemic of recycled leadership in The Bahamas? If we do, does this pandemic bode well for our society, or is it a recipe for regression and disaster?

Evolution in corporations and sports

The principle of corporate personality is one that recognizes the distinct status of a legal entity from its owners. In essence, a company is separate and apart from its owners who are often referred to as shareholders.

This concept allows companies to continue to remain in existence after the demise of its owners, provided a solid management structure is put in place. It behooves owners in the corporate world, therefore, to ensure that there is succession planning and that leadership within their organizations evolves with the passage of time. Failure to adapt to changing norms stifles growth, competitiveness, innovation, creativity and the introduction of fresh ideas.The need for evolution in leadership and adaptation is absolutely important to maintain relevance in the midst of changing dynamics. Professional sporting clubs have mastered the art of change and have managed to maintain their relevance over decades.

Hence, associations like the NBA, NFL and the MLB have managed to remain relevant and maintain their client base by changing their star players. While they may utilize talent from the past, such talent complements the vibrancy of the new entrants who are brought in to take center stage.

Evolution and national development

Evolution is essential in any environment, be it corporate, civic, religious or governmental. It becomes even more critical when considered in the context of a nation and the well-being of its people. It appears that in The Bahamas and the Caribbean region, recycled leadership has become so widespread and accepted by the populace.

This seems to suggest that as a people we have become comfortable with the familiar and have not done a good job with developing our sons and daughters to take the reins of power. It’s no secret that the Caribbean region lags behind other regions in the world as it relates to growth and development in a number of areas. While we seek to develop our infrastructure in line with developed nations, we appear to have maintained a third world mind-set.

There are speculations that some aspiring, new, past and current political leaders will be offering themselves for political leadership in the next general elections. Additionally, a look at some persons appointed to statutory boards or government agencies over the past two decades would reveal persons of the veteran generation holding key positions having served in various capacities of government over the course of their professional careers.

While this is not necessarily bad on the face of it, the performance of some of the organizations and the state of some of the constituencies over the years raises serious questions about the quality and effectiveness of these individuals. Have the institutions on whose boards they serve or the constituencies they represent been better off or worse off? Has recycling individuals in this manner been to our advantage or disadvantage as a country?
 

The times call for change

Albert Einstein is often credited with defining insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The notion that experienced and older individuals make better leaders or bring about more favorable outcomes has been discredited by occurrences across the globe in relation to the economy and national development. In fact, a lot of the revolutionary changes seen across the world have been spearheaded by young dynamic leaders; our own Sir Lynden O. Pindling is a classic example.

Many nations across the world are riddled with the same chronic issues – rising debt and deficits, high crime and poverty levels, high levels of unemployment, rising healthcare costs and other social demands. In times like these, it is imperative that innovation, creativity and fresh ideas come to the fore. Recycled leadership has the potential to stifle the opportunity for growth, innovation, competitiveness and fresh ideas to tackle national issues.

Additionally, the disappearance and reappearance of political and public figures discourages a younger generation of Bahamians from participating in the political process and effective governance of our nation. Consequently, recycled leadership encourages drought and exodus of some of our greatest and brightest young minds. This situation is exacerbated by the refusal of persons who have served for years to bow out and make room for a new generation of leaders.

Will tomorrow ever come?

The rhetoric that the youth of the nation are the future or are the leaders of tomorrow has become cliché. Indeed, based on what we see daily, very few Bahamians truly believe in this quote anymore. The question arises – will tomorrow ever come? Will the old guard go into the sunset with dignity and their heads held high to make room for their successors and not their offspring?

A glance at developed nations like the United States and the United Kingdom reveals that the president and the prime minister of those respective nations were re-elected to a second term during the worst global economic and financial crisis since the great depression.

Both faced criticism on the campaign trail in their initial bid for leadership as being too young and inexperienced. Yet, time has revealed that their leadership and consequently their message resonated with a younger generation, who in many instances command the majority of the voting population.

The recycling of leadership in The Bahamas

We ought to ask ourselves a fundamental question: Is The Bahamas in that bad of a state as a nation that we have to continue to recycle our leaders? What is the motivating factor for leaders resurfacing or failing to acknowledge their expiry date or bow out with grace? Is the driving factor greed, financial challenges, an insatiable thirst for power or mere delusion?

The main point here is not that we must do away with the old en masse and bring in the new wholesale. The enormous contributions of those who have gone before us and made tireless sacrifice on behalf of the Bahamian people for the betterment of our nation cannot be overlooked, and we owe them our gratitude. However, this piece seeks to reach out to both the old and the new generations, imploring them to take an introspective look at themselves and an unselfish look at the state of affairs of our nation to identify a winning solution. We must demonstrate the spirit of our nation’s motto and move forward, upward, onward, together.

There is room for all, the old and the young. When we mix the wisdom and foresight of the old soldiers with the energy, strength and innovation of the new soldiers, we become unstoppable as a nation. However, we must be mindful of the old biblical saying: we cannot put new wine into old wineskins. The opportunity to mentor and guide the emerging leaders is still available. It would be a shame for any leader to exit the scene without leaving prodigies or mentees behind.

However, the reality is that some of the leaders of old will not pass the baton willingly and the mantle will have to be taken from them like they did from their predecessors.

The battle for the future of our commonwealth is not for the feeble-minded or weak, but for persons with broad shoulders, conviction, persuasion and perseverance. In this regard, will the new generation disappoint us?

• Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

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