A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of working with Eng. Mike Mutungi, the Chief Executive Officer of I Choose Life Africa. Even nine years later, his dynamic and inspiring leadership style remains vivid in my memory and continues to shape my approach to leadership.
Eng. Mutungi was the kind of leader who would arrive early at company events, taking the time to assess the situation and step in to ensure everything met the highest standards. He never hesitated to get hands-on if needed. In one staff meeting, he said, “I am an engineer and a spiritual leader. I believe in showing people the way, hoping they will pick it up from there.”
One day, we arrived at a company event just minutes before it began, only to find that the meeting hall hadn’t been fully cleaned. Without a second thought, Mike rolled up his sleeves, grabbed a mop and a water trough, and started cleaning. His actions sparked an immediate reaction from the team; everyone followed suit, and within minutes, the room was spotless and ready for our guests.
A colleague responsible for the event’s preparation arrived late, missing the chance to help with the setup. As the meeting concluded and we moved into the debriefing session, the team was tense, expecting the morning’s mishap to be the focal point of the discussion. However, when we reached the agenda item “what didn’t work,” Eng. Mutungi simply said, “Everyone makes mistakes. It’s through them that we learn and become better. One thing I want to remind you: if you want to be an effective leader, lead by example.”
This experience taught me invaluable leadership lessons: the power of leading by example, the importance of humility, and the grace of turning mistakes into learning opportunities. Eng. Mutungi’s actions spoke louder than any words could, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed his genuine leadership.
Witnessing this, I learned some important leadership lessons:
1. Leadership by example – True leaders are willing to get their hands dirty and work alongside their team. This approach not only motivates others but also promotes a culture of collaboration and respect.
2. Flexibility and adaptability – Despite being the CEO, Mike showed flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the situation’s needs. This flexibility is crucial in any role, as it allows one to respond effectively to unexpected challenges.
3. Importance of timeliness – Arriving early to the event allowed Mike to assess the situation and take necessary actions to ensure everything was in place. This emphasizes the importance of being proactive and prepared, especially in event planning and execution.
4. Commitment to quality – Joining in the cleaning, Mike demonstrated a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards for the event. This level of dedication can inspire a similar commitment to excellence in others.
5. Teamwork and humility – The willingness to participate in the cleaning process shows humility and reinforces the importance of teamwork. It sends a message that every task, no matter how small, is important and contributes to the overall success of the event.
These lessons have become relevant in my current leadership role. Now, whenever I have a company event, I make it a point to arrive early with my team to ensure everything is in place.
What Is Leadership?
They say, “Two can only walk together if they agree.” This saying captures a fundamental truth about leadership: effective leadership hinges on building consensus and fostering agreement among team members. Leadership is about aligning people toward a shared vision and common goals, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction.
It is not just about giving orders or making decisions; it’s about creating an environment where collaboration and mutual understanding thrive, letting everyone work together harmoniously and productively.
Leadership is the capacity to direct, influence, and inspire individuals or groups toward achieving shared goals. It includes establishing a vision, making strategic choices, and cultivating an environment that encourages teamwork and productivity.
Successful leadership requires a blend of skills such as communication, empathy, decision-making, and the ability to motivate and support others. It’s more than just occupying a position of power; it’s about having a positive impact on others and promoting success within an organization or community.
Some Facts About Leadership
• Everyone can be a leader: Leadership is not limited by age, education, or gender. Anyone can step into a leadership role by embracing responsibility and guiding others towards a common goal.
• Take initiative without waiting for consensus: As a leader, not all the time your ideas will be embraced. It is therefore prudent that sometimes (in a challenging environment) to act decisively, even when not everyone agrees. Start implementing your plans, and others will likely follow as they see the value and direction in your actions.
• Lead with positivity and kindness: Minimizing harmful behaviors like hate or rage makes it easier to attract genuine followers. People are drawn to leaders who exude positivity and kindness.
• Consistency builds trust: Consistency in actions and communication is crucial for building genuine relationships. It demonstrates reliability and commitment, which are key components of effective leadership.
• Actions speak louder than words: The actions of a leader significantly influence the number of genuine followers. People are more likely to follow leaders who lead by example and demonstrate their values through their actions.
Attributes of good leadership
• Actively seeking feedback and learning from both successes and failures.
• Embracing innovation and adaptation in the face of challenges.
• Serving the greater good and prioritizing the needs of others.
• Empowering others to make decisions and take ownership.
• Inspiring others through collaboration and respect.
Attributes of bad leadership
• Dismissing input from others.
• Using power for personal gain.
• Not synonymous with authoritarianism.
• Controlling every aspect of a project or task.
• Resisting change or clinging to the status quo.
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