LEADERSHIP TRAIT – SACRIFICE Sacrifice means to commit, forge, forfeit, give up, offer, share, etc all resources – tangible (material, physical, wealth, etc) or intangible (talents, time, etc) which a leader posses for sake of his institution / country. Sacrifice is a quality that stands unique from all the other virtues which makes a hero noble in his deeds. He or she is always quite willing to cast off the predilections and personal comforts whenever they become indispensable for a higher cause or for the welfare of others. Self-sacrificing leaders to be considered more effective and to be able to push subordinates to a higher performance level than non-self-sacrificing leaders. Sacrifice is a trait without which a leader cannot be exemplary. A Muslim leader must be seen to be making sacrifices; only then the followers will commit to the cause and make bigger sacrifices. A Muslim leader needs to be committed to the upliftment of his people and must make personal sacrifices so the downtrodden would have more benefits and facilities. The greater the aim, the higher is the price one has to pay to realize it. Sacrifices consist of both material as well as physical sacrifices. All great leaders practice both and despite all dangers both loss of materials as well as life they endure and achieved their goals. Simplicity is another aspect of personal sacrifice and commitment. This sense of sacrifice and simplicity was practiced by the Khulafa ar-Rashidoon. It is reported that Abu Bakr Siddiq took a small portion from the Bait al-Mal (Treasury) for his familys upkeep because he had to give up his own business when he became the khalifah. On his deathbed, he instructed his family to return to the Bait al-Mal whatever was left of his possessions. It was this example which prompted Umar ibn al-Khattab to say that he had left a very difficult legacy for his successors to follow. During Umars Khilafat (rule), his companions wanted to increase his stipend from the Bait al-Mal but he flatly refused despite the Islamic domain having extended far and wide and having acquired great riches. Such examples of self-sacrifice abound in the history of Islam which made them highly successful leaders at that time. These leaders besides showing extreme level of commitment to the cause assigned to them at the same time offered enormous personal sacrifices and spent a very simple life a quality which can be directly attributed to their success. In this modern world there are not many who make the choice to become excellent leaders; there are many great politicians, executives and managers out there but very few choose to be excellent. Some of the greatest leaders only become this way due to sacrifices that they have made for others; this is something that all leaders should take into account when trying to improve their own leadership skills. Sometimes being a great leader means s / he has to make great sacrifices for the state, organization, people, constitution, ideology and security of country / institution. ESSENTIALS STEPS: 1. What You Can’t Take Back: The Leader should not be a greedy and hungry Politician like today who is investing, spending, his resources to get power / authority only to earn – multiply his wealth by illegal means but like a Sincere True Statesman who expends his resources for welfare of his people / state and he never ‘tries to take it back what he has contributed’. He leaves a legacy / standards. He lives in the hearts of people and remembered for his good works even after his death. 2. Shared Responsibility, Power and Progression: A Leader should be such a Ruler who devolve, divide, and delegate the power / authority downwards to his subordinates rather than be a Dictator / Tyrant who hoards power in his own hand or corteges (junta) to damage the state / intuitions, hinders progression, positive / constructive change and promote status quo. 3. Stay Strong and True : The Leader must have the capacity to appreciate the work done by the predecessors benefiting welfare of people / state rather than getting involved in ‘blame game or point scoring’ without any solid grounds / cogent reasons. It’s important that whilst the leader listens to the ideas of team members and communicate effectively with them. However, if a team member makes a good suggestion, don’t be afraid to praise them for their idea; recognizing talent in others is an excellent method of gaining respect. 4. Keep all Stakeholders in Power, Team or Institution informed for better coordinated joint planning and action. Information sharing must be on need to know bases viz e viz responsibility of the junior leaders. A Leader may have to sacrifice or modify his own desires / wants in light of team suggestions. A leader should keep in mind that those who trust and respect him are sure to follow suit. Occasions will arise where personal sacrifices must be made and that is where a leader must proceed with the action that represents the greater good for people / state
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 10:00:20 +0000