My Leadership Philosophy

Character- The Jewel of Human Existence: A leader lives by the golden precept that a good name is worth more than wealth or possessions. We need to coalesce around a vision of the future that redefines our character which is a basement to national character based on universal standards of right and wrong. I’m always inspired by this quote from one of the “Irons that sharpens me”- Mahatma Gandhi. He said: “The end of all knowledge must be building up of character.”

I believe these words by Mahatma Gandhi that the things that will destroy us are politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice.

We need hundreds of leaders who are not afraid to rise up not for their own personal gain, but to address the problems of common people. It will bring fame and money. It adds responsibility.

“Today’s world needs people who express goodness in their words and deeds. If such noble role models set the example for their fellow beings, the darkness prevailing in today’s society will be dispelled, and the light of peace and non-violence will once again illuminate this earth. Let us work together towards this goal”- these words are not mine but from Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, a world renowned saint whose extraordinary acts of love and self sacrifice have given rise to a vast network of spiritual and charitable activities.

History will judge societies and governments — and their institutions — not by how big they are or how well they serve the rich and the powerful, but by how effectively they respond to the needs of the poor and the helpless. However important the struggle is and however much misery and poverty and degradation exist, we know that it cannot be more important than one human life.

I am a Collaborative Leader. To truly engage a large group in community decision-making requires me to practice what is probably an unfamiliar form of leadership called collaborative leadership. A successful collaborative leader has the ability to share power, is flexible, can see the big picture, is trustworthy, and has patience, abundant energy and hope.

Being a collaborative leader requires a range of skills from me:

• Be inclusive, promote diversity
• Practice shared decision making
• Resolve conflicts constructively
• Communicate clearly, openly, and honestly
• Facilitate group interaction
• Nurture leadership in others and encourage top-level commitment

I have a dream! That one day, we (NIGERIA) shall rise and shine as the star for the world to see and be led to changes. Weary hands that hang down shall be lifted up and feeble knees that stoop to fall shall be raised. Freedom will reign amongst men. What about the nations all over the world?

I believe in Next level leadership. This is more about a certain level of predictability about a person’s consistent ingenuity and innovativeness in matters arising both in the present and in the future. It is characterized by factors which include:

• Vision- the picture of the future one wants to create. This certifies that every leadership must be guided by a vision. Vision keeps one focused even if distracted; it fosters accountability to oneself and followers.
• Scenario planning- the process by which certain trends and events of the present are carefully studied and reviewed. This creates a workplan which is the engine or force of a vision.
• Communication- the sharing of a vision statement and the workplan with the people concerned.

My Vision: A community of thoughtful and mindful people built and deeply concerned with development emanating from harmony and a strong feeling of deep affection and great happiness for each other.

My Mission: To use creative and innovative processes to empower and meaningfully engage people with beneficial knowledge towards creating a positive change in their communities.

I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness, is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally nonviolent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men!

Inspiration is the heart of true leadership and the breath of God is the source of inspiration. “A lamp that does not glow itself cannot light another lamp”- Rabindranath Tagore

My End Note: Ella Wheeler Wilcox tells me that there is no fate, no circumstance, and no destiny that can circumvent, turn or reverse the firm resolve of a determined soul and I strongly believe her.

God bless us all!

Samuel Uchenna Okwara
{SUO}