Discerning a True Leader

Discerning a True Leader

Discerning a True Leader

In order to make the distinction between an authentic leader and a false one, it is necessary to look for certain qualities and characteristics in the individual. As pressures grow on populations around the world, there is a tendency to look for a “strong” leader, and to consider radical methods for change, thus moving away from the old “tried and true”.

A false leader is likely to make passionate and radical statements that lead to his/her popularity in difficult times, but such ascendancy is fortunately short-lived, though considerable damage can be done in a short space of time (remember the Second World War!). Radical statements can be divisive and can be used to portray certain sections of society as the cause of one’s miseries, resulting in racial, economic, religious, or other groups being blamed for societal deterioration.  Truth will be very much manipulated to suit the circumstances, but the detached observer, who does not get caught up in the passions provoked by oratory, will notice untruths, or at least half-truths mixed with falsehoods. Examples abound in the politicians of this day in all countries.

One key-identifier of a false leader is the offer of a “quick-fix” for community problems.

An authentic leader, a real statesman, will be detached as regards personal position, seeking only to serve and ensure the progress of the community. Though also a “strong” leader, the strength exhibited is of a different kind. The individual expresses his or herself with restraint yet is inspirational, identifies and describes a process that leads to a gradual improvement of circumstances, in contrast to the “quick-fix”, and allows for minor setbacks along the way. For this true leader, truthfulness and trustworthiness will in no way be sacrificed for political expediency, yet cooperation and compromise will also be employed.

“Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues”  (Bahá’u’lláh)

Some may say this is an impossible ideal, and it is true that we all have imperfections, but think of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.  A noteworthy characteristic of theirs was personal sacrifice. Consider that sacrifice is giving up something that is lesser for something that is greater. That could be physical comfort for intellectual and spiritual growth and fortitude.

The present day true leader can never contradict certain principles that especially apply to the age in which we now live, such as the equality of people of whatever sex, race, or religion. That is, by belonging to one group by no means gives ascendancy over other social groups, and no such group is responsible for all the difficulties in society. We all have certain human rights.

The heaven of statesmanship is made luminous and resplendent by the brightness of the light of these blessed words which hath dawned from the dayspring of the Will of God: It behoveth every ruler to weigh his own being every day in the balance of equity and justice and then to judge between men and counsel them to do that which would direct their steps unto the path of wisdom and understanding. This is the cornerstone of statesmanship and the essence thereof. From these words every enlightened man of wisdom will readily perceive that which will foster such aims as the welfare, security and protection of mankind and the safety of human lives.

                                                                        (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah)