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Transformational Leadership: The Key to Sustaining Grassroots Democracy in Yakurr Local Government

 


BY JACKSON OFEM (2020 APC MKPANI-AGOI WARD COUNCILORSHIP CANDIDATE)


THE RETROSPECT

It’s quite unfortunate we find ourselves in a world where frivolities are gaining more expression than realities. A world where ineffective representation is sub-changed for effectiveness. A world where the voices of the masses are short-sleeved for the gains of just but a few. A world where hostility takes the place of freedom. How then can we consolidate the gains of our democracy in such cruel atmospheric conditions for the common man? If there remained a significant time to crave for change aimed at fostering the true ideals of the democracy our founding fathers handed over to us, we have to start from the grassroots. And the time is now.


AFFIRMATIVE: Yakurr is a great nation that has over time set the political precedence of Cross River State and the Nation at large. In the first republic, Yakurr produced one of the finest and most pragmatic governors, Chief Dr. Clement Ebri in the new Cross River State, who during his time also served as the National Chairman of the 1999 constitution drafting committee. His indelible footprint still speaks in the State and the nation up to date. Late Chief Inyang Arikpo of the blessed memory as one of the best chairmen of the council, Late Chief Obuli and Late Chief Okoi Arikpo to mention but a few created unique marks during their time of service at the federal level. Their contributions also aided in reshaping the political landscape of the State and the country at large.


THE CALL: As we all glamour the Chairmanship zoning and who to lead the 2024 Yakurr council leadership, let us also be reminded that the Yakurr nation has over time set the track for other Local Government Council to emulate. This can only be achieved effectively when we focus more on transformational leadership instead of considering whose turn to go. Transformational leadership is the ideal mechanism that drives good governance and deepens democratic gains at all levels of governance.


THE MEANING: Transformational Leadership is not just a nomenclature as fondly used by most politicians but a management philosophy that encourages and inspires employees, shareholders etc to innovate and develop new ways to grow and improve on the path to the system's future success. Using this method, executives give trusted employees, and stakeholders new problem-solving approaches.

A transformational leader is passionate and intentional about his work and timely engaging legible stakeholders deliberately and consistently to support growth and create a conducive environment for employees to thrive and achieve organizational goals and mission. It also hinged on helping employees succeed. Another key trait is their ability to identify business processes and other sectors that no longer support the overall gains of the system and also focus on streamlining or changing them as needed.

Transformational leadership is greatly admired yet don’t seek out praise or adulation because it focuses on doing what’s best for the system and the people.

A transformational leader’s risk-taking and assessment is calculated based on gathering intelligence from team members, his instincts and experience play significant roles in decision-making aimed at achieving the overall vision and gains of the system and people respectively.


WHY TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN THE YAKURR GRASSROOT DEMOCRATIC SPHERE AND MORE.


There are many kinds of leadership styles. While some focus on the benefit of the individual leader or short-term results, transformational leadership focuses on long-term results and inspiring actions and habits designed to help the system consolidate its long-term goals. This approach has gained more popularity because it can be the proverbial win-win, helping both the leader, organization and system succeed.

However, most leadership styles deliberately shun criticism and challenges but transformational leaders aren’t afraid to be challenged or consider constructive criticism. As a result, employees and stakeholders are empowered to share their ideas and offer constructive criticism of new directives. They will also take risks and encourage suggestions from others so everyone has input into the team or system's accomplishments.

A transformational leader adopts a dynamic approach to system management and leadership style and practices team and system building. He encourages coaching for timely and adequate results delivery in exactitude, aimed at achieving the system’s goals. Building reliability and confidence in the workforce, the ability to succeed and learn from failures better prepares the system for sudden changes, such as a reorganization or downsizing.


THE FOUR FACTORS THAT ENGENDER’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

-IDEALIZED INFLUENCE describes leaders who are exemplary role models for associates. Leaders with idealized influence can be trusted and respected by associates to make good decisions for system growth.


-INSPIRATIONAL MOTIVATION describes leaders who motivate associates to commit to the vision of the organization or system. Leaders with inspirational motivation encourage team spirit to reach goals of increased revenue and market growth for the system.


-INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION describes leaders who encourage innovation and creativity by challenging the normal beliefs or views of the group. Leaders with intellectual stimulation promote critical thinking and problem-solving to make the system better.


INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION describes leaders who act as coaches and advisors to the associates. Leaders with individual consideration encourage associates to reach goals that help both the associates and the system.

In summary, with transformational leadership installment, Yakurr local government will record a surge in employee engagement and motivation. Employees and stakeholders will deeply invest themselves in their work as a result of their leader’s vision and support, going above and beyond to achieve a common objective and build the Yakurr of our dream. This heightened engagement, translates into improved job satisfaction and morale, as employees feel valued appreciated, and connected to a greater purpose. These ideals will also transcend in achieving a good empowerment strategy, cultural values, and flexibility. This strengthens our true values and constantly evolves in a modern society.


God bless the Yakurr nation!

God bless our dear Cross River State!

God bless our dear Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu an epitome of transformational leadership!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Comments

  1. This is a great move my dear friend we will support to make sure u succeed in this journey by God grace.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your vision is a transforming one for the development of humanity. We are solidly behind you

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very inspiring documentation. We are behind you to make this vision a reality

    ReplyDelete

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