Emmanuel Ulayi, PhD
One of the major realities of the 21st century leadership is Globalisation.
This concept has broken all forms of boundaries beyond trade; technology has made the world smaller and more connected!
Today, distance is no longer a barrier as we can now compete with the best from all over the world. Other Nations are now competing against one another on different scales and with speed which AI has further elevated to the next level. To catch up, leadership must be effective and adaptable to the present realities.
The 21st century Leadership Concept has to leverage on technology to be effective and efficient.
Our Leaders must not just invest in technology for the good of the people but ensure technology becomes accessible to everyone.
Another core reality of the 21st century leadership is the concept of Diversity. Every leader must be able to take advantage of various skills of his team to achieve results. The leader must be able to close the gaps between the rich and the poor; manage the egos and weaknesses of everyone and be a leader for all; not just for a segment of the population.
An effective Leader must be able to sieve relevant information from the overload in the system. He must be hungry to learn and accept ideas from even those he leads.
A good Learning system should nurture Creators. Learning systems must drive the knowledge economy and shape the digital evolution.
No empty mind can create reforms; leaders must invest in the learning system by reading books. This is very important because leadership flows with the one who knows.
A Leader must learn through observations.
A Leader must learn through reflections
The Leader must also learn to harness the potency of ;
1)Questions- one of the greatest ways Leaders learn is through asking a lot of questions.
2.) Thinking-
One must be a thinking leader. Think through ideas. Get through to a critical solution. From thinking a solution emerges.
3.) Envisioning-
Visionary leaders are transformers
Visionary leaders sacrifice for the future
One must create his own model.
4.) Planning and Execution-
A Leader must understand how to plan and execute strategies. Even the well executed plan can fail. A Great Leader does not waste time on the past but can reinvent and get back on his feet with a better plan to execute much better immediately.
. Ulayi, PhD writes from Abuja
