I was having a discussion with my wife this morning and she reminded me of an incident that happened a few years ago. As is customary with me, I had called my bosses at the beginning of that year to wish them a great year.
Those I don’t call get SMS from me. One particular former boss of mine told me that he really appreciated my call and that I’m one of the few people who still call him from time to time since he left his privileged position.
My wife never forgot that incident and she reminds me from time to time.
I recall that article by Reuben Abati about how the phone stopped ringing after he left office with his former Principal. That article should be read by leaders from time to time.
Leaders should be prepared for betrayals. It comes with the terrain. Back stabbing shouldn’t catch any leader by surprise. Leaders must develop the ability to perceive who is likely to exhibit certain tendencies among the members of their team or followers.
John Chapter 6 verse 64 stated that Jesus knew those who would betray Him and those who did not believe in Him even though He had a motley crowd around Him.
The crowd will thin out when food is finished or there is no pecuniary gain to be benefitted.
They will move to another person or another place. Many of the ‘Yes, sir’ is eye service. They respect you now because you hold the yam and the knife.
They will even say terrible things about you to others because you’re no longer in control. They say this to curry the favour of the new person. Many people are double-faced and they only serve their bellies. Leaders must be prepared for this reality.
That is why I find the statement of Jesus in John Chapter 6 verse 67 one of the saddest statements from a leader to followers. He had to look at the rump of followers left and asked them a soul piercing question: “Will you also go away?”
Leadership is a lonely walk many times. Lonely. Lonely. Lonely. Be prepared to walk alone when necessary.
By Bayo Adeyinka