The Journey: Redefining Leadership
What makes a leader really? Leadership is one of the most widely covered topics and with so many definitions of a leader. Earlier this year, in the process of checking out my social media updates, I came across a call for applications for Africa Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) 2020. I must admit, it was intriguing that such an opportunity existed. I decided to just make an attempt. “What do I have to lose?” I said to myself, unaware that it would be one of the most transforming programs I have come across so far.
I have learnt of the importance of developing good leadership habits and replacing negative habits with positive ones.
For the longest while, I have been on a journey of self-discovery. I have made discoveries on my capacities and my role in affecting my surroundings. It is a beautiful thing when success meets preparedness. Around the time when I came across the ABLI 2020 application, I was genuinely seeking an opportunity for structured mentorship in leadership and career development. ABLI has given me the opportunity to re-discover not just myself but leadership in itself.
Leadership begins by leading self before leading others. Reflecting on my story and mapping out my life, I have discovered many instances where I have been a leader without a title, but a leader nonetheless. In the first module on self-awareness, I discovered my personality and how it has influenced my leadership style. People are different and mutual understanding eases and harnesses leadership. Being able to apply emotional intelligence as a leader has taught me that more than doing the right thing, I need to do things the right way.
Sometimes wisdom is hidden in retrospect and everyone has a story. I have learnt the important of constantly being in touch with the development of my story as a leader. Many of the experiences that make up my story have prepared me for my present and future moments.
“Dear younger me.…” If you were to write a letter to your younger self, how would it read? Many times, wisdom does not find us in a vacuum with no experiences. Making peace with the past is one of the key things that an effective leader must be keen to do. As I have learnt from one of the sessions, I need not to allow past mistakes and regrets hold me back from becoming the leader I ought to be. It may not have been my fault that particular things happened to my younger version, but it is definitely my responsibility to seek healing and be free from the pain by forgiving and letting go – even forgiving myself.
We are creatures of habits. An effective leader builds evidence of their leadership through habits. As part of redefining leadership, I have learnt of the importance of developing good leadership habits and replacing negative habits with positive ones.
As my journey of leadership continues with ABLI as an Emerging Leader, I continue to have Leadership Redefined and become more refined. I am grateful to ELF, BSK, the ABLI Team, and my fellow leaders in ABLI 2020 for every opportunity and equipping. I encourage other emerging leaders to be set for the next opportunity to journey with ABLI. The journey continues!
“People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures,” F. M. Alexander.
Submittted by:
Kelvin Irungu- ABLI 2020
I have always had that zeal to influence and impact. This follows the experiences I have had in the past. I had this thing in me that told me, “what if someone had guided you. Enlightened you?”
Wherever I went, I sort to do this to others and especially in areas that I had challenges. Some situations went well but others flopped. The flops have exposed weaknesses which I didn’t know how to fill.
Joining ABLI like you, has been an eye opener. In the sessions, I have found answers bit by bit of the past flops and the better me is sprouting.
I like this better me.
Thanks ABLI, BSK, ELF and all participants.
Looking forward to more of the sessions and also to live applying the lessons.
We thank God for men and women who have the heart of running such programs of mentoring a generation through the knowledge of God I should be part of the next cohort after observing the transformation of Kevin’s leadership style..
Thank you for sharing sir.
It is all about making a decision once and managing it daily. Great facts you have stated about habits.