While it’s acceptable that leaders
are known for envisioning, it’s also true that they need to demonstrate
integrity for them to be granted a platform to communicate their vision. According
to Yukl (2001) a leader either seeks to strengthen an existing vision or build
commitment to a new one. The ability of a leader to envision the desired future
state of an organization and solicit his followers’ contribution largely
depends on how the leader is perceived by those listening to him. According to
Bass (1990) the basic concept of inspirational leadership has a significant
role to play in the communication process and this could be tied to the
personal integrity of the leader.
If where there is no
vision people perish, conversely where there is no integrity vision perishes. Vision according to Bennis and
Nanus (1985) requires translating intentions into realities through
communication of the vision to win support of others. To succeed the leader
must be able to articulate his vision clearly and in an appealing way and show
that the vision can be attained. He must exult confidence and also express
confidence in the ability of the followers to contribute meaningfully to
achieve the vision. His behavior and values should align with the vision to
reinforce it to the followers. He will show his values in the way he spends his
time, how he allocates resources and by the actions he rewards (Yukl, 2002).
In view of these, John C
Maxwell's maxim ‘leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less’ could
be said to augments Judith Germaine’s belief that leadership is a trusted
influence. Raising the relevant
and important question of the existence of reputational leadership where a
leader’s reputation is built as he is noticed doing the right things in the
right way by his followers. Since reputation is about credibility, trust, and
influence, it will either create or destroy opportunities to impact or
influence others (Class notes, 2012).
Trust as earlier said, opens the
hearts of the people to grant permission to be influenced. Bad reputation
negates trust, while a good one grants the leader the key to penetrate even the
most closed hearts. The level of influence increases with the level of trust a
leader is accorded by his followers. With trust a leader influences people
while at the same time respecting their freedom. A good leader understands
where the boundaries lie and will not transgress until he is granted permission
to do so.
A commitment to respect the
freedom of followers is a fundamental mark of Christian leadership. We know
that Jesus influenced many people of diverse backgrounds during his ministry,
but we are certain that he compelled none to follow Him. His character and
vision captured the attention of his followers so much that they followed and
acted willingly to deliver on that vision as he exposed it to them. The
intersection of his private and public venues proved Him to be a credible
leader who deserved a following and buy-in to His vision. As Jesus did, a
leader should not push people around, he should persuade them.
Again trust is a basic
requirement for personal relationships important for our well being and
economic development. It could be considered as both spiritual and social
capital that a leader needs to trade in with his followers to accomplish his leadership
goals and objectives. Character can be leveraged through the leaders’ courage
and commitment to act, and the drive and resolve to put values into action to
enhance performance.
If both the leader and the followers are
trustworthy, risks and uncertainties in leadership are greatly reduced and this
increases the chances of success in an organization as opposed to situations
where trust is missing. In an atmosphere of trust, the leader or the followers are
expected to behave and act in a predictable manner. This could be seen as a
mark of reliability, an important driver of progress as individual aspirations
will certainly be met.
