A popular statement is ‘Nigeria is blessed but the problem are the leaders’ (paraphrased). Leadership is a very important factor in any environment or community. The reality is that all humans will become leaders at a certain point but the prominent ones like head of a country or state government and organization are often the focus of all individuals. Generations come and go hence leadership is a cyclical process. We can easily blame our leaders at the top for their ineptitude but the reality is that many of us would not be able to do better than them if given the opportunity. Below are some factors that could make or mar a leader in any setting be it in the private or public sphere.

1 Confidence: It is a state of assurance and belief in your ability. A person that is not confident will not be unable to effect decisions that are necessary. They will not be able to do those things that are considered appropriate if there is no support from those around them. Confidence is key to a leader that wants to perform well in any role or else failure is sure where confidence is lacking.

2 History: History is defined as a record of past and the present for future generations. A person who aspires or is appointed as a leader that does not know the history of the organization or society he/she wants to lead may eventually fail in that role. Unfortunately, the state of learning about history in Nigeria is poor as a result of the scant attention paid to it in the school curriculum. The importance of knowing the history of any entity is to identify those basic and realistic events that have defined and affected the growth trajectory. A good understanding of History enables present generation to understand those decisions that are dangerous or good. This will easily forestall a situation where a grievous mistake might be repeated.

3 Reading and Intelligence: A leader that does not read might actually fail in his/her role. Also, beyond reading is the ability to apply that knowledge you have gained. In the areas of thought and learning, our major ideas are most times copied from other nations which is not often appropriate for our present condition, hence this might actually be a disadvantage to us. The ability to learn and apply such knowledge with proper consideration of the peculiarity of your environment is what defines the success of a leader. No culture is untainted but originality can be maintained. A culture that borrows heavily without minding its own qualities will end up useless and distorted.

4 Low financial education: We all have different talents and areas of interest but it will be improper to outsource our financial knowledge completely to those we feel are trained to do so. It can simply be put as your business is your business. A leader who does not know much about how finances and Economy work is likely going to be a failed leader. Beyond being a leader of a nation, every man or woman are going to head a family, household or organization at some point. Money is vital to human existence hence it must be your business to know about it so that those supposed gurus in it will not lead you or your administration into problems.

5 Ethnic bias: Tribalism and racial discrimination exist in almost every culture. No matter your colour, tribe or area you come from, the bottom line is that a man or woman is a human being. If you really want to succeed as a leader, then you must rid your mind of every form of discrimination. Make an effort to accept people first for being humans before taking note of their other characteristics. A leader who must succeed must rise above this feeling of prejudice or may end up sowing a seed of destruction ie the civil war of 1967-1970.

6 Corruption: This is rife in our society just like in other countries in the world. Corruption in this context range from embezzlement of public funds, encouraging bribe to outright nepotism such as employing or appointing those you feel are sympathetic to you, friends and family into key positions without merit. Corruption blinds the eyes of any leader to his/her function in any organization or society. The earlier one gets rid of this evil, the better.

7 Personal relationship: This is not a case of being faithful or another moral instruction. The emotional stability of an individual is vital to their ability to carry out the function expected of them. A man or woman that is unable to address or organize his/her personal relationship might end up performing less than expected in any role given to that person. It is important an individual has a stable family or household as this will provide enough energy for good performance.

These are the few points I feel could make or mar the leadership of any person. An efficient leader is always needed as their ability cannot be contested hence we must aspire to be one.

Written by me.