This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
With the ongoing uncertainty caused by the novel coronavirus, leaders are facing unprecedented challenges. Whether you are leading a household, a corporation, or a country, the situation is unsettling.
On April 23, McKinsey published an article, 'Positive leadership in uncertain times', noting that 'unimaginable shifts in our daily lives are compelling companies to adapt quickly and identify creative, unconventional ways to operate and survive.' The article highlighted the difficulties leaders face in finding their footing in this global storm.
Wartime leaders who emerged victorious often shared a common characteristic: focus, with clear objectives. They prioritized winning the war and safeguarding the livelihood of their people, putting aside unnecessary distractions. This focus earned them a lasting legacy.
History characterizes wartime leaders as strong, not because they had strong men and women armed with state-of-the-art weaponry, but because they ensured their people had access to basic needs like food, water, health, and education.
Some leaders, however, are taking snippets of leadership and blindly applying them in delicate situations, resulting in disastrous outcomes. Great leaders communicate their expectations in times of uncertainty, as seen in the example of a government committing to frugality to ensure every citizen has something to eat.
Unfortunately, the political class in Kenya appears convinced that rules are meant for the poor. The public health regulations meant to contain the raging virus are a prime example of this. It would be an abomination to spend billions of shillings on a referendum when millions of people are suffering through the pandemic.
Experts say that our political problems emanate from our behavior, not structure. The risk of making changes now is creating a precedence for dismantling the Constitution piece by piece in the future. In my view, politicians are creating a distraction in a time of war against the pandemic when we should all be united to ensure that none of our people go to bed without food.
Let's focus on the Agenda Four items of food security, health, manufacturing for self-sufficiency, and housing. This is what would guarantee a lasting legacy. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' He was advocating endurance while bidding farewell to Timothy.
