FEATURE
Teaching LEADERSHIP
Post colonial era in Africa has and effi ciently. But too many No one should expect a child necessary knowledge that we
witnessed numerous failing headlines are still reporting to acquire these notions from should all have. But there comes
leaderships in practically every rampant corruption, theft, his/her family and community a time when what we learn must
nation on the continent. Positions nepotism and dictatorship, just to environment alone. The majority become a life tool, a manual
of leadership were acquired name four of the most common of the human race is not on how to turn ourselves into
through force or by dubious and abuses perpetrated by the ones in particularly inclined - or apt - to better people and on how we can
often unfair elections. Once in power. And beside these obvious do a lot of soul and character transform the world we live in
power, encouraging and promoting shortcomings, many of these self-search and development.. into a much better one.
good governance proved to be leaders also fail to actively and Also, many people are not
a challenge that some leaders consistently encourage, promote conscious of the importance of Know thyself is probably the
found quite tough and sometimes and establish vital character knowing themselves and others most meaningful advice given to
impossible to overcome. This can qualities and awareness in the at such a deep level. This can be humanity. By failing to achieve
still be the case today. heart of their citizens and within witnessed every day in our never a good understanding of self, we
organisations, such as the respect ending religious and territorial also fail to acquire the capacity
The leader of a nation bears very of human life and human rights, confl icts and wars, our economic, to understand about the nature
heavy responsibilities, none less tolerance of tribal diversity, of educational and welfare and needs of others. We fail to
than to promote the welfare, religious beliefs, gender equality inequalities; in our grossly mis- become good listeners and to
health, education and prosperity and sexual orientation, honesty, distributed and abused global form meaningful and equitable
of his people, as well as ensuring transparency, compassion, resources and wealth, and in our partnerships We are also not able
that his country can become a integral peace at all levels of disaffected and disillusioned to suspend activities and pursuits
contributor to - a participant in society, excellent communication youth. for our personal gains, which
- and a benefi ciary of - global skills at personal, national and hamper the growth and welfare of
economic developments. international levels, diplomacy, What we must remember is that many others.
fairness, delayed gratifi cation and the African leaders of tomorrow
At the dawn of the 21st century, self-control, discouragement of are the children of today. It is It is so easy to teach children
Africa is as hungry as ever for short-term materialistic pursuits therefore primordial to ensure about good behaviour, not through
good governance. Of late, some at the detriment of personal and that our children are given a type the use of sticks or threats, but
leaders have shown a greater national development and so on. of education that will equip them by displaying to them the most
capacity to govern more fairly to become the best leaders we are desirable demeanour, through our
hoping to see in a few decades own actions. A good leader, and
from now. Such education should at the beginning of a child’s life,
start as early as possible in life. he or she will be the parents and
teachers, should lead by example
Our current educational system is fi rst and foremost. Do as I do
sadly lacking in imparting some should and must become their
of the most important qualities moto.
and attributes mentioned above,
and which a leader should have to A good leader is a person of little
become outstanding at a human, word but of bountiful action that
political and economic level. The produce results for everyone to
solution is to devise an educational enjoy. A good leader wants his
system and curriculum that will vision to become everyone’s
provide outstanding leadership vision so that his nation or
precepts to students from every organisation will be led by
African nation - and the rest the thousands and millions instead of
world! single handedly. And that type of
visionary leadership should start
Learning the abc and one, on a school bench, and not in
two, threes by rote has never political rallies, military coups or
taught anyone anything about corrupt governmental institutions
themselves or how to lead. Of - when it is by then way too late.
course, this is a very basic and
P
Isabelle Gravenstein is a writer specialising in humanitarian, social and
spiritual issues, personal development and current affairs.
She is also a humanitarian, campaigning at all levels of society for the birth of a more
peaceful, equitable and caring world.
www.thepromota.co.uk THEPROMOTA | 7
ppromotamagazine_issue12.indd isabelle corrected.indd 7romotamagazine_issue12.indd isabelle corrected.indd 7 330/11/2007 21:44:500/11/2007 21:44:50
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60