Leadership and character
A recent media announcement indicating that retired Justice Seymour Panton is not seeking reengagement with the Integrity Commission (IC), consequent upon the end of his contract, is sad but not surprising. On the one hand, and I’m sure he would agree, none of us can go on in any position forever. Also, with the public spat on differences between some members of the government and opposition on processes and procedures of the IC, a creature of Parliament, it may well be a good decision to step aside while he is able. On the other hand, and this is not the first time we’ve seen it, and probably won’t be the last, that I recall a government suspending the diplomatic passport of a number of Jamaicans, simply on the basis of a disagreement. The whole situation suggesting that public service is a thankless job and those involved must expect the kinds of rancour we hear about the leadership of IC generally and citizens who choose in the public interest in particular. And yet, there may be a third way, which this article proposes, that is leadership and character.
What is leadership?
In the book entitled Leadership, author, trainer and emotional intelligence specialist Gilmore Corsby, son of a Methodist Minister who is not afraid to publicly identify as a lay preacher in that denomination, defines leadership as taking a stand and keeping connected. This means that a leader, if she or he is to be faithful, committed and dedicated to serve community and country, is required to take a stand in favour of those to whom she/he is accountable, while at the same time staying connected to key stakeholders, especially in the public interest. For this reason, and in order to stay connected, the leader must, of necessity, be compassionate, kind, loving and have the care and protection of those who are in her/his care always uppermost in the mind.
Leadership and character are related in that both focus on people and, in the case of character, it means the person who is serving as well as the one being served, are made in the image and likeness of God and is of paramount importance to God, irrespective of her/his station in life. Character is, therefore, who a person is by nature and the behaviours which flow from the person. Looked at in light of love of neighbour and self, especially in that order. The Vice President of the United States is reputed to have said one must love self first and neighbour afterwards, a sentiment contrary to the gospel. Indeed, if media reports are anything to go by, he was challenged by a response from Pope Francis, who reinforced the Christian view which emphasizes the central place of character in leadership.
Leadership character
To overcome the too easy separation of leadership and character, an alternative approach is leadership character. In this way the focus is on the kind, quality and type of leadership offered as well as the character or disposition of the person exercising it. Additionally, leadership character transcends the person who is leading and embraces the culture, ethos, environment and traditions of the community, institution and even the nation in which leadership is practised. In this way, for example, in native American communities, or even in some African contexts, where communities come together to address issues, and where talk of Ubuntu is normalized through shared community interactions, and consensus is sought over conflict, leadership character takes on a communal life and is protective of both the individual and the community. This is the reason retired Justice Panton is proud to identify as Methodist as he knows his character is grounded in God and his Christian upbringing.
Leadership character is, therefore, urgently needed at present. Especially in a context in which leadership is conveniently separated from character and the person chosen as leader is often viewed as a caricature of the community, or even a scapegoat, that is, one who is put in a position to do the biddings of those who are not willing to step forward, it is vital that the community takes a stand while keeping connections, especially with the most vulnerable. This can be viewed in two ways. First, the community must take responsibility for those it places in leadership, as, such persons ultimately embody the ethos of the community, hence they are not operating in silos but are, to a large extent, extensions of community character. And, while it is true that such persons bring their creativity and ingenuity to the task of leadership, nevertheless, there must be the recognition that the institution precedes us and will outlive us. Leadership character therefore requires accountability, transparency and probity in ways which highlight community character, and in the case of retired Justice Panton, national character.
Second, leadership must demonstrate character. It must embody the nature and atmosphere of the people being led and highlight or amplify the values, morals and principles which generations have embraced as valuable and important. For example, respect for the elderly, people with special needs, care for the mentally ill and the provision of food, clothing and shelter for those in need are not just activities but, and certainly from a spiritual and church perspective, must take precedence over showmanship, profiling and stardom.
In the final analysis, leadership and character point to the importance of taking a stand for those under the care of an individual or a group and must take care to protect the most vulnerable. In addition, this requires guts, not in a sense of being puffed up with pride but a sense of justice for all, especially based on integrity and honesty and the knowledge that all of us are ultimately accountable to God for our actions. God knows we need strong leaders however these must not treat the finer things of life, such as honesty, integrity, decency as non-essentials. Rather, the focus must be on building up the common good so all may flourish.
