In her poem, Vesalius in Zante, Edith Wharton notes that there are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
In the last 21 years of engaging in youth development work in Kenya and across the region, I have walked the life’s journey with many young people.
As a product of mentorship, I’m aware of how it can help unleash the potential and greatness inside every one of us.
The journey and experience of founding and running a youth-serving organisation for the last 11 years have taught me about humanity, leadership, trust, initiative, teamwork, and the impact of just believing in one young person.
Leadership infused with genuine love and empathy is sustainable. In today’s world where self-centeredness is the order of the day, love and empathy are easily looked at suspiciously, yet they are the core of any purposeful leadership.
We should understand that it is impossible to bring about any change without a proper self-analysis. The great philosopher Socrates said it himself: “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”
It is about knowing what makes you tick, identifying your strengths and weaknesses. When everything else is stripped away, what are you left with? And who really are you?
In leadership, self-care is not selfish but a necessary ritual. It puts you back in touch with your core values. It can open up a new perspective by reminding you to check in with yourself.
Many leaders and people in positions of authority are burning out and missing out on life’s precious moments in the name of working hard. Prioritise your self-care. It takes a human to be a leader of human beings.
Those being led need to see a glimpse of the real, human you - flaws and all. There are times when even leaders need a guiding hand.
It takes vulnerability for leaders to admit to admit to those being led that they do not know.
It’s okay to seek help and support. This is also leadership.
Listening is one of the most powerful tools one has as a leader. It helps one build trust and foster loyalty. Listening to feedback, ideas, correction, and observations is key to impactful leadership.
People tell their stories not only in words, but also in body language and facial cues. It is not easy, but worthwhile.
It is also important for a leader to help the team grow. It’s impossible to achieve anything alone and there is need to invite professionals with different backgrounds and similar values to help take the vision to the next level.
I’m blessed to have great individuals working with me to realise the vision for Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa.
Incorporate system thinking approach to engage meaningfully for meaningful change. Observing and assessing the system, actors, power at play, tools and the operating environment helps to know where to exert energy, where to invest, how to invest, when and who to collaborate with. It helps to understand how to measure success. A leader knows there is true power in building synergies and collaborating with like-minded organisations.
For example, our partnership with Emerging Public Leaders and the Public Service Commission in implementing the Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship is rich, fruitful and fulfilling.
We can tap into our competitive edge and add value to partnership. We are better together. Leaders should invest in youth.
Young people rock and represent the future that we all want to be good for our children.
Armenian statesman Karekin Njteh said if you want to know the future of a nation, look at its youth. The level and quality of meaningful engagement of young women and men determine the prospects of a country or society.
The writer is founder and executive director of ELF-Africa
