By Ayo Oyoze Baje
“Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge”— Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker. According to John C. Maxwel, a world-renowned American leadership expert, speaker, pastor, and #1 New York Times bestselling author, “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Leadership is therefore, defined as a blend of vision, action, and mentorship. It takes the 7C factors of character, competence, commitment, courage, constancy of purpose, candour and of course, compassion. Not left out are the unfailing 3H principles of humility, honouring others for their contributions to achieving the common vision and of course, leading others with honesty of purpose.
Experts on leadership across different professional landscapes highlight the significance of Vision which is that of having a clear purpose, pathway setting practice- based examples through personal action, and guiding others diligently on the pathway to success. True leaders therefore, understand the purpose, and destination or goals of where all the actions are taking them to. But it goes beyond rhetoric.
To ‘Go the Way’ simply means taking the needed Action as at when due: Leaders live out their vision, rather than just giving orders. They also
‘Show the Way’ which is all about Mentorship. Leaders act as the moral compass to guide and empower others to achieve their own success along with their God-given talents, honing such with professional competence and navigating the way out of all manner of obstacles. That perhaps, explains why yours truly has described life as a hurdle race. So, to succeed one has to muster the will and the courage to lift oneself above such hurdles while exhibiting focus on your goals, not minding or listening to the cheers and jeers of the onlookers or spectators.
In essence, selfless leadership, which is often characterised as servant leadership, is driven by one propelled by the larger picture of seeking for and achieving the common good. It leaves a legacy focused on empowerment, reconciliation, and long-term societal growth. That is rather than the insatiable quest for personal power, to ride roughshod over others or for the accumulation of wanton wealth which the biblical King Solomon described as “ vanity upon vanity, all is vanity”. The servant leaders prioritize the needs of their followers, communities, and countries. It all boils down to self sacrifice which only few are ready to do.
Stated here are some examples of the legacies of selfless leadership from different personalities beginning with Nelson Mandela (South Africa). His was the Legacy of Reconciliation
After spending 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela emerged not with a desire for revenge, but with a vision of unity. As South Africa’s first Black president, he prioritized national reconciliation over personal bitterness, setting a global standard for forgiveness and unity with his “rainbow nation” concept.
On his part, Mahatma Gandhi (India) is remembered for his Legacy of Nonviolent Resistance. Often referred to as the “Father of the Nation” by Indians, he utilized selfless leadership to lead a massive, Satyagraha nonviolent campaign for independence against British rule. He practiced voluntary simplicity and lived alongside those he led, embodying the change he wanted to see in the world.
As for Abraham Lincoln, his leadership during the American Civil War was marked by a commitment to preserving the union and ending slavery. This was a process that necessitated immense personal fortitude and political risk.
With regards to Mother Teresa (India/Albania) she dedicated her life to serving the “poorest of the poor” in Calcutta and beyond, founding the Missionaries of Charity. Her leadership was rooted in extreme humility, compassion, and a direct, hands-on approach to assisting the destitute.
She amply demonstrated that true leadership is all about serving, rather than being served. Her organization expanded to over 130 countries, continuing her work of providing comfort and dignity to the forgotten.
Standing tall on the Legacy of Advocacy for Education is Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan). According to historical records as a young girl in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, Malala opposed the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education with an uncommon courage. After surviving a Taliban attack in 2012, she did not step back; instead, she used her platform to fight for girls’ education globally.
As the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, her courage has inspired a global movement for educational rights, demonstrating that leadership can be driven by a young voice standing up for human rights. Yours truly inspired by what John Harold Johnson, the then globally recognized publisher of Ebony Magazine would describe as succeeding against all odds!
When the name of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is mentioned it rings a loud bell of the Legacy of “Sufficiency Economy” Oh yes, he ruled for seven decades, and was revered for his humility and dedication to his people’s well-being.
As the people’s president he often visited the poorest regions of Thailand personally. He promoted the “sufficiency economy” philosophy, which focused on self-reliance and moderation in lifestyle.
He was a unifying figure in an often politically unstable country, remembered as a compassionate father- figure who sought to improve rural livelihoods. How one wishes that our political leaders could borrow a fresh leaf from him.
In a similar vein, Pepe Mujica (served 2010–2015) was nicknamed the “world’s poorest president” due to his extreme austerity, donating roughly 90% of his $12,000 monthly salary to charity, and living on a ramshackle farm instead of the presidential palace. His 1987 Volkswagen Beetle was often his only declared asset, and he famously remarked, “I’m not poor… Poor are those who need too much.
As for George Washington (USA) his is the Legacy of Voluntary Surrender of Power. This was defined by his willingness to step down from the pedestal of political power after leading the Continental Army and serving as the first U.S. President. He refused a third term, setting a precedent for the peaceful transition of power.
That reminds us of one former Nigerian president who goes by the name of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ). Knowing full well of the political gimmicks, gambits and desperation of his unrelenting traducers to cause chaos and anarchy, if he hung unto power he graciously and peacefully handed over power to Muhammadu Buhari back in 2015. And he stated that his political ambition was not worth the drop of blood of even one innocent Nigerian. That is servant leadership for you.
Still talking about Nigeria one unforgettable icon of servant leadership was Dr. Stella Adadevoh (Nigeria) noted for the Legacy of Selfless Sacrifice. In 2014, Dr. Adadevoh stopped a patient carrying the Ebola virus from leaving a hospital in Lagos, despite the patient’s insistence and pressure from diplomatic figures. Her courageous, “greater good” decision saved the country from an widespread Ebola outbreak. Eventually, she paid with her life, and her supreme sacrifice spared Nigeria from a national health catastrophe. That incident exemplifies ultimate commitment to public duty. May her great soul keep resting in the bosom of the Lord.
Definitely, Nigeria needs more servant leaders, especially in the political spectrum. We need leaders who can subsume their craving for money and materialism and sacrifice their whims and caprices to hang onto power more by crook than by hook and be propelled by the search for the common good.
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