This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
On June 10, 2020, Wale Akinyemi wrote about the evolution of leadership and the traits of transformational leaders in an article for The East African.
Leadership is often tested in times of crisis, and it is during these moments that true leaders emerge. Nelson Mandela, for instance, rose to prominence during the fight against apartheid in South Africa, while Winston Churchill led Britain through World War II.
However, not all leaders require a crisis to shine. The late Bob Collymore, former CEO of Safaricom, left a lasting impact on the organization and the lives of millions of people. His legacy serves as a reminder that leadership is not solely defined by a crisis.
So, what are the key traits of transformational leaders who leave a lasting impact? According to Akinyemi, the evolution of leadership can be broken down into six stages:
- Stage one: Characterized by academic qualifications
- Stage two: Marked by technical know-how
- Stage three: Focused on project management
- Stage four: Involves managing teams with diverse temperaments
- Stage five: Requires managing egos
- Stage six: Centers on stakeholder management
Leaders who excel in a crisis possess a unique set of traits, including stakeholder management, pragmatism, empathy, and a focus on the greater good. They are able to lead with a heart, even in the face of hostilities, and make decisions that benefit all, not just themselves.
On the other hand, leaders who do not undergo this evolution often remain office holders, rather than true leaders.
