I was opportuned to head d prog and editing dept of a tv station in Lagos,Nigeria- being a young chap in his very early 30s it was very difficult leading pple far older than I am - I ve difficulty leading them esp wen respect shroud duties and giving directives become hard as it comes. You dnt wnt to imagine the envy esp wen I joined the company 3 years b4 assuming the leadership position and ve to direct pple who have been thr for @ least 7years. Patience is all that allow me rule - the experience moulded me into a "man". I was building the station and indirectly building myself and my relationship - its a bitter sweet experience but its wonderful. I head the prod arm of a popular Nigerian atm but the experience I had then guide me ... To lead right, do just one thing - lead by example

I've always wnt 2 c a topic like diz, bin a leader is nt an easy task. I got 2 knw diz whn I emerged as d president of my tribal assoiciation in a state university diz yr. My ppl it has nt bin easy coz 'd pull it down syndrome' has drink dip in my ppl bt I tnk God am on top of everi situation. It is wel wit our nation.

I thought I was a very likeable person until I was made the coordinator/leader of a group of 50 people at work (including those senior in designation/rank and age than myself). I have always been a gentle, calm and somehow background person but now that I'm in the spot light, I must confess it hasn't been easy. People are just difficult to lead. A group of people will always criticise your decisions no matter what you do and how you do it. If you don't make any decisions, people will criticise you. You then decide to now make a decision, people will still criticise you. Then what do you now do? My take is ALWAYS ATTEMPT to do something and to do the right things. Surround yourself with people that are objective and intelligent. You realise some people will be for you while some will be against you. If majority of people like you while minority like you, that means you're doing fine but if its vice versa, that means you're doing something very wrong. YOU CAN NEVER PLEASE EVERYBODY. I now feel Mr. President's pain because I'm now also in a position of authority but I believe he can do more than he's currently doing.

E

You will not know d meaning of 'snitches' until u become a leader. A most dangerous place.

Educated people are the worst set of people to govern. During my NYSC days, I was the President (C-in-C) of my CDS (Road Safety Club) of over 600 corps members. Before passing out I ordered for 650 Certificates of membership from FRSC and was given just 400. All attempts to get more certificates was unyielding so I was faced with a hard decision of distributing them at POP day. God saved me from being lynched even after numerous explanations.

acidtalk: When we criticize our leaders for some certain decisions, we usually fail to realize that this set of people are human and can never be perfect in their decision making.

Aside from a leader being CORRUPT (which 99% of Nigeria's office holders are) I am always critical before judging a leaders decisions once it falls under corruption allegations and actions.

From Primary 4 up until my University days and till date, I have been in one form of leadership position or the other and I very well know how one steps on toes, loose friends, get jealous of, and condemned once you decide to carry out your duties diligently without favor, bias or being corrupt.

In my own case, I have lost best friends for not favoring them ahead of others who rightfully deserve something.

Broken relationships because I had little or no time while in "office".

Threatened if I reveal names of corrupt Student union members amongst many others.

Share your experience as a leader and what it caused you.

I held an office bk in skool 'sport director'S U G infact it was terrible to succeed

It is not easy. It comes with its perks and problems. It has opened several doors for me and given me the opportunity to make a difference. Personally it also helps me work and develop myself.

often times,I always want to criticize our leaders for non performance,I am instantly reminded of the fact that less than 6 months ago I was saddled with the responsibility of being The deputy head boy in the secondary school,and sincerely speaking,I under performed while in office.
It was really fun but everyday,I judge myself for my actions and inactions;what I said and did not say.
Though I established trust between the students and administration,am more concerned about judging myself for my mistakes.
My conclusion:Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown and uneasy lies the buttocks that seats on the throne.
Maybe,I am being too harsh on myself but the fact remains that being in any leadership position,no matter how little is not easy

Iam currenyly a Supervisory Councillor Education Suleja LGA Niger State the experiences of a political office holder is by far the most difficult of all leadership position cos of demaands of both the people,the political party,your family,friends,relations etc all want you to touch their lives one way or another

Held a number of positions back in my school days.Was NYSC Corps Liaison Officer(CLO) for Batch B Corp Members Ife East L.G.A 2001/2002. I think that task of coordinating people from diverse backgrounds was the most challenging

Was leader of my local NURTW branch, but was sacked for corruption (embezzling of funds)

ekt_bear: Was leader of my local NURTW branch, but was sacked for corruption (embezzling of funds)

you mean the amala wing of NURTW ibadan?

bros, it isn't by force to quote anyone or attempt to initiate a convo with them

ekt_bear: bros, it isn't by force to quote anyone or attempt to initiate a convo with them

It is oo! . . .You threw a bait

lol

i have once lead a secondary school back then.
kon see critics frm teachers nd student, simulteneously there was praises frm teachers nd student.
if we impress d school i ll b praised
if we fumble i will be blamed
#Bt i prmse you, if you can jst let me play with the presidential post jst for 8years i wont dissapoint you#
i have once lead a secondary school back then.
kon see critics frm teachers nd student, simulteneously there was praises frm teachers nd student.
if we impress d school i ll b praised
if we fumble i will be blamed
#Bt i prmse you, if you can jst let me play with the presidential post jst for 8years i wont dissapoint you#

To be a successful leader, the most important factors in my own opinion, are experience and strong network of support within your work environment. There are scenarios where a newly elected leader might be a sympathiser of the people, with agenders of getting into office and cleaning up the mess left by his/her predecessor but would find doing so extremely difficult or even impossible, as a result of lack of intellegent information by his subordinates; that's like being isolated (because you can never have your hears and eyes in all places at the same time). Before anyone wins a leadership role (in the government for example), there are various characters who were already running the show, and the show is probably what make them (wealthy); and so the idea that you can get into power and begin policies that affect their activities could be dangerous for you! There are reasons why some leaders become 'mumu' when they get into places of power - imagine walking into your office for the first time and finds its pitch blackout, and when the lights come there are people surrounding your sit/desk, with masks on, usherring you in! (Now that can be shit scary)!
Meanwhile what I meant by strong network within your working environment is 'connection'... people who can be loyal and inform you of the danger points/zones. For example, I have always been of the opinion that the oil spillage atrocities by the multinational oil giants in Ogoni (or whatever the place is called) can never be resolved! Because any sanctions that orders a forceful cleanup will cost these companies not just a lot of money, but also a lot of headache. A move as such by any leader is suicidal UNLESS: you already have the 'backbone' to do so... not that I am suggesting him but a leader like IBB might fits into that kind of role (if you get my drift).
And so if you don't have people with eyes everywhere to tell you what's coming, you might be walking in danger, in the dark, and alone! When MKO Abiola contested for president in the 90s, he was nodding a Socialist ideology, something sensitive even to the West; one might argue that even in the absense of June 12/Babangida/Abacha palava, the man was a 'dead man walking'! Many still refuse to believe the West (US) was behind his death... I no wan argue.
In the end, as many people point out here, leadership comes with all sorts of 'gbege' that can make or break you forever! You have to sometimes just lay low even though you had made a lot promises before being elected.

my people, the truth is that a society can not produce leaders outside its environ, I am worried by the quality of leaders we will have later in this country.
Most of us blame the current crop of politicians and claimed all of them should be killed like it happend in Ghana so that new generation can come in. What we have forgoten is that the so called technocrats and new generation politicians are products of this same country. If people like Reuben Abati, Okonjo Iweala etc are yet to make much changes, i doubt if the changes will come any time soon.

From secondary schl, I held leadership positions. My status as Faculty speaker during my university days was an eye opener. Made lots of sacrifices and had to miss so many lectures that my G.P dropped below 4.0 at the end of my yr 4. I will however not trade the experience gathered from that role to graduating with First class. I learnt then that politics is not about money and we (me and my principla officers) never for 1 day took seating allowance from the faculty like they do in other faculties.

Armed with this experience, during the NYSC days, I was voted C-in-C ofn FRSC/NYSC CD group without much opposition. I was sorrounded mostly with women as excos, just 1 male out of a 10 man exco. To my greatest surprise, during our handing over and projects, i discovered dt all my exco members did not pay for their projects contrary to leadership by example that I had always been preaching, infact, when the project was launched, I was the 1st person to pay to encourage others. I equally realised to my greatest surprise that the ladies were ready to tear me to pieces wen i refused to share the remaining money in association purse with them. They claimed that has always been the tradition and ours must not be an exception. This meeting took days oooo and to God be the glory, I did not sign a kobo out of the club's purse to be shared....... and to say that I use to think that ladies are less corrupt........(90% of these ladies are from a particular tribe of the country, ur guess is as good as mine)

The experience got me thinking, if at the NYSC levels, leaders of tomorrow are already thinking of how to share the national cake, wonder what will happen when they are saddled with leadership roles at the national level.

@all, the story long small but please indulge me!!

I have often believe that a leader is someone who takes the followers not where they want to be but where they ought to be until my university days!!

I was an effico ( bookworm) throughout primary schools days( lots of awards) so my opinion counts!!

I was often rewarded by been chosen to play football with the big boys though Ȋ̝̊̅ end up scoring more in my own goal post than the opponents!!

Secondary school followed the same pattern, Ȋ̝̊̅ have always derived leadership role through intelligence sha!! ( Prefect + SRC speaker etc)

The real role came in university, in 100L, i led a group of students through superior arguments and creativity in congress and politiking to RETIRE the part 3s!!
And became the leader of the rebels!! Hence the name BASHORUN GAA

I and my cronies occupied the positions of Assistant Gen Sec of faculties + SUG. Without even a matric number as we do conduct election in first semester!

The real test was in part two and Ȋ̝̊̅ must confess.. Ȋ̝̊̅ failed... I was elected as the Budgetary and finance committee chairman of the SUG!!

We raised 6million naira + dues, we had a grand plan to execute some projects, aluta market and i also sidelined those part 3s (now part 4).. And they had to retire!!

Ȋ̝̊̅ organized trips to ghana and obudu for students and unionists (2005)! Something not common I̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ school then!

Ȋ̝̊̅ was so articulate that even the law students can't stand hon bash!!
the DSA nicknamed me Osama bin laden as i write most of the Union publication to tackle the school.

The departments and falcuty exco must bring agenda to us before congress, if not they will become ex (badt politics).

From school gate to dept, its hailings from security to lecturer!! Always on native!!

Ȋ̝̊̅ reduced the SUG rents, held the school to ransom many times and even faced panel thrice!!

Well, they all ganged up against me and trump up charges against me!!

Ȋ̝̊̅ contested the Speakership election and LOST--- my cronies had decamped!! But became the ASG of NANS (ZONE D). Under National president of --- ( can't say)

I now see that people will rather vote for someone they stand a chance with, than an absolute tormentor!! If bash becomes speaker, we are finished( who will control him) and infact Ȋ̝̊̅ was out of control!!

I did an inward search, Ȋ̝̊̅ was a charismatic leader( yes loved and respected by many) but Ȋ̝̊̅ lost touches with the people!!

Ȋ̝̊̅ retired and faced studies... Kept silent in school till part five!!

My croonies returned and confessed, one last ride as a team but Ȋ̝̊̅ was wiser!!

I was made the chairman of the SUG electoral committee and i played the most complex permutation in my SUG history!!! 10 candidates emerge from my faculty--- my friends nearly fainted!! Right under their noses!!

Ȋ̝̊̅ also doubled as the graduating Set chairman for the whole school, Ȋ̝̊̅ sidelined all my former croonies that they couldn't attend their own send forth!!
Made away with the award all unionist crave,

El politico of the set!!

And when posting came out, his name was dere and he even made 2-1!! BASHORUN GAA!!

The negotiating ratio of ratifying budgets in my SUG is still called owo bashorun ( bashorun money)....

During my NYSc, i did not have a CD group!!
PA to LI, report to LI directly --- a role i got after bamboozling lawyers from Law school, Agbani, Enugu state at a public forum!!

And now, i am still trying to be a better follower as Ȋ̝̊̅ have not been the best of leaders and to be a good leader, you have to be a better follower!!

This has prepared me for leadership in the workplace that i find really amusing!!

@Bashorun Gaa, I gbadun your story die.

Leadership is more about taking the team ahead, rather than putting oneself in the front. The best leader is like a shepherd who
stands behind and moves the flock forward.

Before you aspire to that position, are you qualified for it? Are you aware of the tasks and challenges before you? Are you competent?
Some people fight to get into positions that they are not qualified in. They’ll end up clueless or delegating the job to someone else like some of the politicians and their numerous aides.

Leadership demands competence. I’ve been there. I know the job, the environment and the people/staff. Accountability and transparency is vital. It doesn’t matter what the previous leadership did...people see fault and expect something done to address that. If you are transparent, carry people along...you’ll get there. You should be a communicator and an effective one.

Stepping on toes!!...the problems are there to be solved. If you are transparent and communicate your objectives well, even those whose toes would be trampled on would step aside...it demands courage and resilience....In my last role, the man was as corrupt as hell but I was set to make that right and restore trust...I did it with a few personal losses but it was worth it.

Don’t go into it with the mindset to dominate, no one cares if you are oga at the top of you have no clue how to go about the job, being change, creativity and trust in the role.
Have discipline, set standards..carry the carrots in your bag and don’t forget to pull out the whip if needs be....a bit like a referee in the big league...laugh and shake hands with the players, blow the whistle for fouls...talk to players, dish out the yellow card if necessary, warn the player who consistently fouls...don’t forget the red card...it’s there for a reason. Give it if it’s demanded.

Have empathy...don’t be one who sits behind the desk dishing out orders...come out and show how it’s done.

Periodically assess your performance and give people the chance to give feedback. Have a huddle...meet and sit with your staff members. praise their good efforts and point out where improvements are needed.

Emotional intelligence is very important. Sometimes people come to you with issues not related to your work when you are stressed. Make yourself approachable, friendly...be calm and give advice where and when you can.

Leadership is stressful but it’s very rewarding. People will remember the positive changes you’ve made and the impacts you’ve made to drive the workplace forward.