Few years back, my head of department called me up and offered me a promotion, asking me to lead a group of one language course teachers and lecturers. I politely refused the offer, stating my preferences in teaching rather than doing what i see as drudgery managing and administrative works ( of course i didn't mention the word DRUDGERY to her, or else i might have been kicked out immediately!) Besides, i told her i feel holding a post would put me under a limelight which i detest, and thus i feel more comfortable being a follower than a leader. Yes, a follower. It didn't take me long, i then realized that i was and still am not a good follower. I don't easily follow if i feel someone is not right or something doesn't make sense to me. I question common practice or conformity. I just don't know how to keep my opinion for myself when everyone else see or believe things differently. And i began to realize that i did those not just once.
from that point onwards, i began to think whether or not i'm a good follower. I just feel that i am more than that. Perhaps there's a leader in me?
...
I thought i can forget leadership when i leave office. I am totally wrong. Leadership is everywhere and doesn't not always correlate with neither position nor title and not authority too. And here as a diplomat's wife, how i realize my courage in challenging norms is nothing but a tiny spark of leadership in me.
I used to make noise, quoting my diplo husband as working too hard that he does works beyond what he should do. But than i know he does more and strangely still feel better because he is not a boss, but rather, a leader. I thank to God for that is a gift. May the Al Mighty continue to guide us both throughout this relentless diplomatic journey.
Here's what i get from my reading and i alter a bit. May it serves as an ethical reminder to us.
A boss drives his people but a leader leads them.
A boss relies on authority but a leader depends on good will.
A boss creates fear but a leader instills great confidence.
A boss says “I” but a leader says “We”.
A boss says “get here on time” but a leader gets there ahead of time.
A boss fixes blame but a leader fixes mistakes.
A boss knows how it is done but a leader shows how it is done.
A boss says “Go” but a leader says “Let’s GO”.
A boss uses people but a leader develops them.
A boss abuses power but a leader empowers others.
A boss sees today but a leader also looks at tomorrow.
A boss commands but a leader asks.
A boss never has enough time but a leader makes time for things that count.
A boss is concerned with things but a leader is concerned with people.
A boss lets people know where he stands but a leader lets his people know where they stand.
A boss works hard to produce but a leader works hard to help his people produce.
A boss takes credit but a leader gives it.
A boss encourages resentment but a leader breeds enthusiasm.
A boss can make people take advantages on his absence, but a leader can rest assure people can be relied on even without his presence.
And why should all these huge differences? because a boss creates nothing but hatred, but a leader inspires more trust, love, sincerity and happiness.
All the best to my darling diplomat husband. Our kids and i are so proud of you.
