The question as to whether leaders are born or made is one that will continue for years to come with valid arguments being put forward on both sides of the debate. However, this discussion pales in comparison to what happens when the aspirations of an individual to lead are accomplished. It becomes quickly crystal-clear to a newly elected or appointed leader and observers that it is not an easy task being in a position of authority.

In a country such as ours, it would be an understatement to state that the demands of the populace are not easy to meet. The reality is that, while the majority elect persons to lead, leaders must govern both the minority that did not support them as well and serve the entire country. This is where the true test of leadership lies, and only the courageous and wise will succeed in this role. In this piece, we consider the travails of leading in the unique and blessed country called The Bahamas.

Leaders and the led

It is no news that effective leaders at some point or points in their lives would have been led by another. For indeed how can one lead without knowing how to follow and be led by another? It is in the discipline of discipleship that leaders form their ideologies and build their characters to emerge as leaders of men and women. This is important, as leadership is more about servitude than it is about prestige and authority. Humility, compassion, conviction and integrity are key prerequisites for persons that are or aspire to be leaders.

The problem with some of our political leaders and aspiring leaders is that they want to lead without being led or having been led. They forget that, even after election or appointment, their decisions and actions ought to be led by the people of The Bahamas. More importantly, they ought to govern the country and themselves in the best interest of the Bahamian people. The following words of the father of our nation, the late Sir Lynden O. Pindling, to his parliamentary colleagues in his farewell speech echoes through time to today’s leaders and aspiring leaders of tomorrow:

“Leaders, we must not forget, do not make themselves. They are made instead by the people they lead, by the people who believe in them and by the people who are prepared to follow them not out of fear, or because it might be the in thing to do, or because of some hypnotic spell, but because deep down there is a faith that moves them to lift us up to a height above their own in the hope that, from the lofty perch to which they have raised us, we can see what they cannot and, having seen, we, as their leaders, can point the way forward into the tomorrows that await us all”.

The above statement is evidence that leadership bestows a responsibility to inspire, uplift and direct.

The voice(s) of the people

The popular quote that the voice of the people is the voice of God is often referenced in the aftermath of voting by an electorate. This saying suggests that the voice of the majority of an electorate ultimately conveys not just the wishes of the majority but is also a reflection of the will of the most high.

In a parliamentary system of government such as ours where general elections are held once every five years, does this mean that the people are silent in-between general elections? Certainly not; the expectations and yearnings of the electorate can be heard by those that keep their ears to the ground and hands on the pulse of the populace.

One of the biggest challenges faced by political leaders in addition to staying in tune with the people they serve is the ability to filter the myriad voices of different stakeholders to ascertain the true voice of the Bahamian people. While talk shows, print media and social media may be instructive or helpful in assisting political leaders in this regard, it is often apparent that the audience and contributors to these media are loyal and sometimes the same individuals. Hence, true leaders must remain on the ground and in the communities and constituencies they represent to listen to the people they were elected to serve – their employers.

Public and private sector leadership

The focus on political leadership in The Bahamas oftentimes leaves little time and room for discussions on the oversight of government agencies, public corporations and private companies. In actuality, the principles of good leadership and stewardship are not confined to political leadership but extend to governance in the public and private sectors.

It is often stated that leaders in the public sector ought to emulate some of the practices of their counterparts in the private sector. The challenge with this proposition is the mentality and level of accountability attached to the public sector when compared with private enterprise. In the private sector, companies are generally in business to make profits and the consequences of bad decisions are often seen in the performance of the entity. Additionally, the productivity of the workforce in the private sector is tied as much as possible to compensation as well as job security.

The ideology of public sector workers is generally one that is grounded in job security, regardless of productivity or performance. The level of emphasis placed on customer service in both sectors is almost like night and day to the detriment of the public sector in The Bahamas. This does not suggest that the private sector is not without flaws, especially in commitment to ethics, the social conscience and consumer protection. However, the point here is that effective leadership must transcend politics to the public sector and corporate Bahamas.

Preparation for leadership

The market for leadership training and seminars is huge with patronage from individuals from all walks of life enrolling in courses to prepare them to be leaders. While these sessions and programs in some cases provide useful tips for aspiring leaders, there is no better teacher than experience. Experience in this context does not mean that only seasoned individuals with several years in leadership positions qualify; rather it means that personal experience in roles requiring leadership is the ultimate grooming ground for true leaders.

Indeed there is a difference between 10 years’ experience and one year’s experience 10 times. The main factor here being the quality and depth of the experience acquired over time as well as the lessons learned from such experiences.

A quick look at great leaders over the years will reveal that some of them emerged while still cutting their proverbial teeth in the midst of perceived veterans and elder statesmen or stateswomen. The late Sir Lynden O. Pindling, Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama are prime examples of young leaders that were deemed not to have the requisite experience. In the same vein, the contribution of the late Nelson Mandela in his twilight years will not be forgotten by the world.

The point here is that youth or the perceived lack of relevant experience should not be a deterrent to leadership. After all, Enron had an experienced and very qualified board of directors while veterans presided over the Great Recession all over the world. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said it best when he stated that “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later”. No one is ever fully prepared for leadership.

Going where eagles dare

Governance in 21st century Bahamas is not for the faint-hearted or timid; it is reserved for those who recognize that a paradigm shift is required in order to lead the Bahamas a generation after political independence. A more enlightened and demanding Bahamian population is seeking reform in all sectors of the economy and spheres of society. We have become intolerant of mediocrity while subpar service from the public or private sector is deemed unacceptable. Taxpayers are simply asking for better stewardship, financial discipline and transparency in the management of the country’s affairs.

Political leaders in this new reality will have to go where only eagles dare and be able to withstand the increased scrutiny of the citizenry. Corporate and public sector leaders will not survive with an archaic management style which ignores the fact that processes are managed while people have to be led. The leaders in government agencies and statutory bodies will have to deviate from the status quo which has promoted inefficiency and indiscipline in some entities if The Bahamas is to succeed in years to come. In the final analysis, a change in the framework of leadership across our archipelago of islands is inevitable. The question is whether there are sufficient men and women willing and available to effect this long overdue change.

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