What it takes to be a leader

By Joshua Corcuera

 

To be a leader is certainly a daunting task and a huge responsibility, unless your mere goal is to take advantage of your power. Here in the Philippines, and even in various parts of the world, there is still a need for leaders who truly serve the interests of the people. One who knows how to listen to the grievances and criticisms of the people without any tantrum or any drama. A leader who would exert significant effort to the cause and vision shared by every human being, and also preserve the universal values we enjoy such as love, charity, duty, and patriotism.

With this, it is important to know what makes a better leader. When I served as the president of my student council in high school three years ago, one notion I could reflect on is that leadership is not merely being popular during elections, but more importantly, a way to connect people towards a good cause.

 

Utak at puso goes hand in hand

Which should a leader prefer, mind or heart? Utak o puso? Some would say that intelligence is badly needed because, with competence, things can be done. But it’s important to take note that we had a bar topnotcher who is controversial for his decades-long stay in power as a dictator. It can be reasonably deduced that being smart does not necessarily equate to morality. While being too kind, soft, and benign can cause abusers to get away from their wrongdoings easily. Having a huge heart that is very forgiving does not seem a good idea, in our generation at least.

But with a balance of both the mind and the heart, one can see clearly what is wrong with society and what must be done to make it right. Through one’s intelligence, smart and effective policies can be crafted to alleviate social suffering. At the same time, compassion can prevent a leader from abusing power and corrupting society, and allow such a leader to listen wholeheartedly to the grievances of the marginalized. It would be better for leaders to think, speak, and act with both mind and heart, and not merely one or the other.

 

Words can be inspiring, while actions are convincing

Speaking of thinking, speaking, and acting, it is essential to discuss what a leader usually does — addressing a crowd and acting to adversities. Often do we encounter that our leaders are all talk, but no walk — meaning they do not do anything but speak tirelessly. This can be observed in some places, where leaders would claim that growth and progress are at their best, but their people cannot feel such a claim.

Leaders need to be eloquent especially in times of crisis so that the people can be inspired to move forward and to keep on fighting. But this is not sufficient enough for a leader to be effective, for people tend to look up at their leaders’ actions as well. Hence, when leaders speak of what they’re trying to impart to the people, they should also practice what they preach. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

 

Leading the people to its destination is not a smooth path

Now that the importance of both the mind and the heart, as well as words and actions, have been discussed, it is important to remind aspiring leaders of the important role they play and the challenges they shall expect. Clearly, we need leaders to show us our direction, to give order to society, and to lead us in uncertain times. The importance of leaders — not only in government but in various facets of society such as communities and organizations — is self-explanatory given the power entrusted to them.

But with great power comes great responsibilities. The power attached to the position of leaders is meant to allow them to dispose of their duties much more conveniently, and not for their ambitions to gain more wealth and influence. The youth and other aspiring leaders out there must be aware of this and — more importantly — that once they become leaders, they should not be blinded by power. Though things may be rough and tough, with clamor and criticisms normally expected (and must be welcomed), leaders and prospective ones must know the risks and sacrifices they would entail when they accept the call of leadership.