Leadership Nigeria, Essay Example

Nigeria elected a new Presidential Leader – Goodluck Jonathan, on May 6^th 2010.  The new leader enters on a platform of political reform after the death of “President Umaru Yar’Adua, who died peacefully aged 58 after a long battle with kidney and heart ailments.” (Onuah).

“Acting President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday received commendations for his political leadership from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair” (The Nigerian Voice). In the early days of his assumption of Presidency critics were not very impressed by his leadership style “Dr. Goodluck Jonathan ascended the leadership position, many pundits predicted a lack-lustre and colourless leadership style.” (Gyang). Nevertheless the pundits have so far been proven wrong as Jonathan has quietly gone about a process of reformation and transformation illustrating a prudent transformation list style of leadership.

A Transformational leader is identified by the characteristics of a person with vision, a strong sense of purpose and very goal oriented.  He believes that people will follow those who inspire them.  Hence goal attainment is by inspiring your subordinates motivating them by enthusiasm and energy.  Working for these types of leaders can be a great experience as they derive a great deal of passion about their work and genuinely want you to succeed.  Such leaders start with a clear identification of a vision. Jonathan believes people can achieve great success when they are inspired and passionate about a vision.  Leaders of this type are quick to exploit the vision by sharing it with their team. Such leaders are often seen to be using mind mapping or brainstorming sessions with their subordinates.  They believe in inclusivity and the power of team dynamics. They believe in structured approaches to Problem Solving and Decision Making and often follow a Kepner Tregoe Management style.  Jonathan takes a pride in his approach to problem solving.  ” Transformational Leaders are always visible and will stand up to be counted rather than hide behind their troops. They show by their attitudes and actions how everyone else should behave. They also make continued efforts to motivate and rally their followers, constantly doing the rounds, listening, soothing and enthusing. ”  (Changing Minds.org).

Jonathan also shows early signs of level 5 leadership traits.  Level 5 is the Executive who builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will. Nearly all of the  good-to-great companies contained  level 5 leaders in the critical transition phase.  Great leaders have been describes as quiet, thoughtful, self-effacing and reserved with a philosophical outlook e.g. Lincoln, Socrates as opposed  to warlike leaders such as Caesar, Patton who lack personal humility in favour of god like qualities.  Executive A shied away from attention and often gave credit to others for successes in the organization.

Level 5 Leaders are not charismatic charmers of people but instead are determined inspirational leaders. They take control and lead by example building a culture of discipline and focused on the success of the Company. They do not create a coercive or tyrannical regime but a meritorious organization built upon performance and recognition.  These people are self-determined and willing to go to extraordinary measures in order to fulfil their objectives.  Level 5 leaders often have others acknowledging their success as opposed to seeking public acclaim It is still too early to categorize the style of leadership that Jonathan will follow but the international community seems happy with the appointment and feel that he is a leader they can do business with. Given the historical leadership turbulence in West Africa there at last seems some hope for the future.

Another  leadership style that Jonathan may emulate may be similar to the style outlined below:

A Transactional Leadership style.  Such leaders believe that people are motivated by reward and punishment.  They believe in a strict sense of organisation and a clear chain of command, further when people accept a job they pass all authority over to the Manager.  Hence the prime objective of the worker is to do precisely what the Manager tells them. Here the leader  believes the subordinate to be at fault when things go wrong . The transactional leader will create clear organization structures and reward will follow for task accomplishment.

Limitations and boundaries are clearly understood and often formal disciplinary procedures are in place.  This type of leader  believes in a clear chain of command and rewarding performance. The Transactional leader often uses the style of “Management by Exception” i.e. if an assigned duty is working well, then it does not require attention and may be left alone.  Such a leader  also rewards employees for their successes. Intervention only where something is going wrong or potentially looks like going wrong.  This style is very contract oriented between the boss and the subordinate.  This leader establishes clear goals by clarifying roles and task requirements.

Despite the limitations of this style, it remains very popular and is in wide use today.  The main limitation being defined as the assumption of  a “rational man’, a person who is largely motivated by money and simple reward, and hence whose behaviour is predictable.”  (Changing Minds.org).

Works Cited

Changing Minds.org. Changing Minds.org. 2009. 20 12 2009 <http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/styles/transactional_leadership.htm>.

Gyang, Chris. Nigeria: President Jonathan’s Journey So Far. 20 10 2010. 20 11 2010 <http://allafrica.com/stories/201010210866.html>.

Onuah, Randy Fabi and Felix. New Nigerian leader pledges electoral reform: Reuters. 6 5 2010. 20 11 2010 <http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64468820100506>.

The Nigerian Voice. Blair Visits Villa, Commends Jonathan For His Leadership Style. 1 2 2010. 20 11 2010 <http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/nvnews/11586/1/blair-visits-villa-commends-jonathan-for-his-leade.html>.