Opinion / Columnist
Welshman Ncube - People factor and understanding their importance.
05 Jan 2013 at 15:10hrs | Views
People are Ncube's most precious asset. The way he handles his people goes a long way in determining his ultimate success. The ability to lead and motivate the people in his organization pays dividends to him, both in the short term and in the long run. When people know that they are cared for a trust emerges in them towards their leadership and the Party. The result of this is paid back in loyalty and improved working relationships. They will take care of Party interests. The reverse is also true however; when people sense that they are being used or that they are just a number they become insecure. When this occurs they can lose focus, look for ways to sabotage the Party, or even seek out a third party to protect them.
The Bible communicates an interesting story about a king named Rehoboam who was the son of the great King Solomon. After the death of his father, Rehoboam was made king and two different groups advised him on how he should lead the people of Israel and the type of leader he should be. The first group was the Elders (local tribal leaders). They were respected in the community and considered to be wise, they represented the voice of the people. The other group was the King's peers – most likely those he grew up with. The Elders advised the king to lighten the load on the people, to treat them with respect and communicate with them. On the other hand, his peers counselled him to be even tougher than his father Solomon was, in other words "show them who is the boss". In the end, the King chose the advice of his counter parts and rejected the wisdom of the Elders. This decision cost the king dearly as ten of the twelve tribes deserted him. Consider the key leadership advice that the king rejected from the Elders:
[1 Kings 12:7] And they spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever." (NKJV)
Overview
As a leader Ncube always has people around him to give him their opinion and advice but it is critical who he listen to. Good or bad the influence of people will shape the type of a leader he becomes, his style and philosophy of leadership. Welshman as a wise leader has learnt from the success and failures of others and does not have to "reinvent the wheel".
The people that he allows to speak into his life make a huge difference! The wise Elders in the story of king Rehoboam may not have had the latest methods, technology, or even the right verbiage, but their life experiences qualified them to be heard. They had the pulse of the nation! The life lessons that others have learned the hard way is invaluable to Ncube as a leader – it saves him a lot of time, effort and in some cases pain. He listens to advisors who care about other people and those that are not ego-centric, full of pride and just out for themselves. These types of people impart great and practical wisdom into his life. Considering the four key things that the Elders said to the King.
1. "Ncube is a servant" – "People First" Style of Leadership
How does one become a servant? This is a strange phrase to most people in the business and political sector but what is important is not so much the term but the meaning behind it. In short, it means being a leader who puts people first. Note some key aspects of being a "servant leader":
- He assesses his outlook towards people: An effective leader will see people as a valuable asset to the Party and not as a liability. His belief system determines his behaviour towards party supporters.
- Ncube has a genuine care for people: He is there for people beyond just party politics, He is concerned about their lives and personal issues, He shows an interest for the things that trouble them – this create incredible loyalty towards him that will be repaid time after time.
- He is secure: It is essential for a leader to be confident in who he is and his position. Insecure leaders stifle people and hold them back because they are threatened that others may out shine them.
- Ncube is humble: He doesn't act as if he know it all or that he is superior just because he has a title and some authority. People will always trust the motives of this type of person.
- Ncube Leads-He doesn't push: He doesn't rely on tactics such as manipulation, intimidation and domination, but rather build trust with people through authentic relationship-utilizing people instead of using them.
2. Ncube Serve the people – Recognize What His People Need in Order to be Successful
How does a leader serve the people? Is there really a difference between being a servant leader and serving the people? The answer is a resounding yes! Serving the people is about putting your philosophy of leadership to practice, to actually demonstrate to the real world what you believe – otherwise it is nothing more than a concept.
- People are important: Ncube appreciate what they bring to the table. He honours their God given talents, skills and abilities. He Looks beyond the immediate and see the potential in them.
- Ncube Respect people: Treat them with dignity and integrity. Ncube is honest and don't try to take advantage of His followers. He deals with them just as he desire others to treat Him.
- Ncube connects with the people at some level. He considers what he has in common with them; spend time with them even socially (if that is appropriate).
- He is approachable: The old saying about "an open door policy" goes a long way into building trust and a healthy working environment.
- He makes decisions: "Uncertainty kills" nothing frustrates people more than leaders who cannot or will not make decisions. The result is a loss of confidence in leadership, productivity may suffer and people lose heart. Effective leaders deal with issues and are not afraid to make unpopular decisions. In the long run people will respect this approach as long as they know the leadership has their best interest in mind.
3. "Answer them"
It stands to reason that before any answers can be given a leader must first be able to listen effectively. This is one of those soft skills that Ncube has. People sense when they are held in high esteem in an organization. Listening to your people creates value within them.
- Ncube Listens: People have a great deal to offer, he listens to what they have to say and consider their ideas. He allows peoples input and give them opportunity to create solutions.
- He ensure that he give people credit for their ideas. It is
- He give people a voice into His leadership business and provide an
atmosphere where creativity and potential thrive.
- Makes people feel like subject matter experts in their area of
responsibility. Many times MDC front line staff have the pulse
of followers and incredible insight into changes that
will help the organization.
- Ncube Explains: An effective leader explains the "what" as well the "why" certain things need to be done. Studies have shown that people execute at a much higher level when they understand why they are being asked to do various tasks. This creates a sense of involvement and increases the "buy in level" which ultimately effects the execution of the plan.
4. He Speak s good words to followers – Praise and Recognition
What does it mean for a leader to speak good words to people? Everyone loves to be encouraged and to receive a pat on the back. Praising your people is a powerful tool that is available to you and it will yield a great return – the best part is it won't cost you a dime. Countless surveys indicate "lack of recognition" as one of the number one issues that people have with leaders.
Ncube considers some best practice ideas: - Praise: This must always to genuine, timely and specific. The best intended words (even kind or appreciative) without these key ingredients will be received as canned, fake or even rehearsed, in other words be genuine. Ncube does that perfectly well.
- Develop people: Build them up. Some leaders make others feel inferior in order to make themselves feel better. This style of leadership is petty and shallow and is rooted in fear and insecurity.
- Correction: This should never occur in public, in front of peers, or anyone else for that matter. All such discussions should be done in private and one on one. The primary purpose is to bring resolution without belittling the individual. Ncube does that perfectly well.
- Build on the strength of people: Recognize what people do well and build up their confidence. The very movement towards the desired behaviour should be applauded. Ncube does that perfectly well.
As a leader Ncube has the power to create and foster an atmosphere of dignity, respect and honour. MDC-Ncube operate in this environment their confidence continues to soar, they make good decisions, are more productive and add value and profitability to their party.
Source - Bheki Zikode
All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.