The secret of wise leadership

After 2 years I have just completed an executive education program in leadership at the World Economic Forum. After listening to the insights of Bill Gates, having tea with President Kagame and interacting with countless academic gurus you’d imagine that I’d have plenty of profound insights on the matter – maybe the top ten traits that define a leader or perhaps the four essential strategies to success. Perhaps more important than what I learned, is how I learned.

In New York last summer we were privileged to have the Impact Repertory Theatre perform for us. Professor Jamal Joseph, a former Black Panther, convict and theatre director, works with kids who have grown up in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Harlem and never had the opportunity to attend the best schools and enables them to become world-class musicians, poets and dancers. In front of an audience of business suits and frowns these young people performed with intensity and joy. In stark contrast, we, the supposed leaders, had to give a short speech and fumbled and stuttered our way through. The difference between our two groups was profound. It struck me that we had been taught to compete whereas they had learnt to cooperate.

Leadership can be a lonely business as I found out as CEO of my own company. Under pressure to deliver results and wanting to appear in command I began to cut myself off from others. Once isolated it was easy to become prey to either delusion or doubt. On good days I felt an arrogant assurance that I could achieve anything. Other times I tried to mask my fear that I was really a failure and would soon be found out.

Twenty seven of us ‘Fellows’ have journeyed together during the last two years on the leadership program – a diverse and fascinating bunch of misfits – Vijay the Indian philosopher who is disrupting himself, diplomatic Hala who commands respect with a smile, or Dhruv who brings people together and looks out for the marginalised. This close knit group of friends has helped me grow on my leadership journey.

I have come to realise the incredible power of our community

Community of compassion – we have shared life together. There’s been lots of joy, with 8 babies born, and also grief as friends have lost family members. But through it all we have been there for each other.

Community of reflection – we have allowed ourselves to be vulnerable – admitting of faults and failing. My friends have called out my flaws, given me painful feedback but in the process helped me discover my true identity.

Community of learning – we have provided each other an alternative perspective on life. No matter how talented a person may be they don’t have all the answers and we need each other to find the best solutions.

Don’t go the journey alone. If you aspire to grow in leadership then you must find your community.

Published in collaboration with LinkedIn

Author: Reuben Coulter is an Associate Director for Africa at the World Economic Forum.

Image: Artist Olafur Eliasson’s giant representation of the sun, part of his Weather Project in the Turbine Hall of London’s Tate Modern, October 15, 2003. REUTERS/Peter MacDiarmid.