The Demand for Inspirational Leadership

History and events have proved that leadership can in some instances make much more difference in peoples’ lives than even money, talent, intelligence, connections and hard work can do. That is why the heart cry of millions of people in the world today is for caring and committed leadership. The fact is that a lot of people have been suppressed, oppressed and disappointed by their leaders for just too long. They are now demanding real leaders for these trying times and seasons. Yet, the hope and expectation of these people are not in any way misplaced because great leaders are usually produced in times of great need. Historically, great leaders are produced when people need a strong rallying point. For instance, Queen Esther was elevated and set apart for the purpose of preserving the lives of the Jews when they faced certain extermination. Moses was prepared for the repositioning of God’s people under His covenant. David was unveiled in Israel to raise, mentor and lead giant killers like him. Dr. Nelson Mandela was earmarked, along with others for social and racial reintegration in a new South Africa. It is a principle that wherever there is true, committed, honest and caring leadership, the followers will be responsive, enthusiastic, and energised. That is the power of leadership. It is the ability to energise people. We surely need more of such leaders today in every sphere of life. We need leaders that would be true, committed, honest and caring instead of being arrogant, manipulative, greedy and selfish. Without a doubt, leaders are produced according to the law of demand and supply. Difficult times and situations throw up true leaders, who rise up to meet the challenges. This is because true leadership has always been a selfless action. It demands you to think of your followers’ needs before yours, even when your own needs are pressing. Such leadership is of course more concerned about the broader picture and wholesome good of everyone, rather than some selfish desire or satisfaction of personal ego. It is worth emphasising that leadership affects all of us, and each of us is called to exercise leadership at different levels. We actually became entrusted with this responsibility right from the creation of the earth. It is the call to resourcefulness, creativity and sustainable impact that affects and involves all of us. We cannot shy away from it. The question is this: what kind of leadership do we currently manifest? Would our leadership approach and style achieve the desired goals of sustainable impact? Would such leadership be sufficient to energise us and our people to accomplish feats that were initially thought to be beyond our dreams? The leaders that are needed today are those that will be true servant-leaders, serving others and not self. It is this kind of leadership that each of us must desire to exhibit, especially because it has the potentials to amplify our efforts to achieve so much with so little. Such leadership is in great demand right now.