Small actions, big impact

Leadership, leadership, leadership. It’s a buzzword during this time, but you don’t have to be on a platform, in a boardroom or at a pulpit to be a leader. This is a concept that parents, teachers and all those entrusted with helping to guide the younger generations should always bear in mind.

Certainly, we look to persons in the abovementioned spheres to provide direction for the way in which our society is ordered – after all, they are in the forefront of making important decisions that shape and influence many aspects of our lives. However, this does not remove from the ordinary person the capacity and ability to be a leader in his or her own right. In fact, if every person would consider him or herself a leader, it would go a long way in creating a more participative society where persons take more responsibility for their actions.

Take, for example, the notion of community policing. Every individual should display a sense of civic duty as a law-abiding citizen. There should exist the prevailing feeling that, though he or she may only be one person, if he or she does not do his or her part, the society will be the poorer for it. You do not have to be the president of the neighbourhood watch to take a leading role in making sure you protect your family and neighbours from harm.

Another area in which persons could stand to show more personal initiative is in the upkeep of their surroundings. We do not have to wait for the ‘relevant authorities’ to send personnel to carry out a task – why not be proactive and do it ourselves? Not too long ago, a report appeared in the regional press where two persons narrowly escaped being struck by a falling branch. Comments from the proprietor of a nearby establishment effectively conveyed that they knew of the hazard, had lodged a complaint to the authorities, and were dismayed but not altogether surprised about the near-miss. Certainly, it is important to observe regulations and procedure, but there must be room in regulations for common sense and individual action. One would have thought that after recognising the danger, and the slow response of the authorities, the property owner might have done more to prevent an unsuspecting person from being hurt.

By showing a sense of responsibility with regard to the mundane, when the time comes to face greater challenges, the mantle of leadership does not seem quite so heavy to bear. When adults showcase these traits in everyday life, it sets an example for young people that can leave a more lasting impression than a training course or motivational book – although these are also great sources of inspiration. Indeed, when they grow up in an environment where they see persons seizing the reins of control and not leaving matters which directly affect them in the hands of some benign, but aloof, ‘higher power’, they are empowered to lead similar lives and to carry that example into other areas – not content on waiting for someone to give them a job, they may instead feel motivated enough to go into business for themselves, for instance.

These may sound like simple actions, but one should never discount the importance of simplicity. As the saying goes in part – “Watch your words, for they become actions; watch your actions, for they become your habits; watch your habits, for they become your character”.