For more than 15 years Liberia has been struggling
Written by Michael Kesselly
Sunday, 27 December 2009
For more than 15 years Liberia has been struggling for a leader that
will take the country to the next level. We have been on try and error
for so long and seem not to work for us. Almost two years from now we
are going to the poll again to choose a leader for this old African
suffering nation.
The question is, who should we cast our votes for again? This gone election we were given the option to choose from twenty-one presidential candidates. What will it be come 2011 elections? Will we have 42 candidates or we are going to reduce the number to 10 or 5.
My fellow Liberians these are all questions that we need to answer but the most and foremost question is, how do we know an individual who will be in the interest of the Liberian people? Can we determine from the candidates’ faces, can we determine that from their dress code, can we determine from their speeches or from their personal wealth? How many Liberians will decide to answer these questions before casting their vote? Whatever the case may be, we all want Liberia to be a better place for all of us. Most of us in Liberia feel that the president’s role is to manage the nation’s problems. The president ability to manage is restricted by our constitution, Legislature, courts, the counties and local communities. Still the president role is to lead. So what makes a great president then? Many of us believe that leadership is base on charisma. Any leader without charisma we feel that he wouldn’t do better. In fact charismatic people are often assumed to be the best leaders in the third world countries. Charisma is a trait that can be used for both evil and good. According to history, three of the charismatic leaders of the 20th century Hitler, Mao and Stalin were also its worst, destroying the lives of millions. Without character, charisma becomes a menace, used to manipulate situations for selfish reasons, whether leading in business, education, politics or family, character always trumps charisma.
Today fellow Liberians I have the honor to present to you six proven qualities that we must look for in our list of presidential candidates come 2011 elections.
1.Compassion
Great leaders genuinely care for and love people they lead more than they love leading itself. Leadership without love degenerates into self service manipulation. One great example of compassion is a little known Jewish leader named Nehemiah. In 445 BC he assumed the dangerous task of rebuilding Jerusalem after a devastating war. When he heard about the living condition in the city, he mourned, prayed and fasted for several days in order to identify with his people who were facing food shortages, high taxes and threats of violence. Nehemiah’s compassion propelled him to action. Love acts. Apathy ignores. Leadership begins the moment someone assumes responsibility for the pain of others.
2.Contemplation
True leaders don’t just act, they think. Many leaders today are like poor pictures: overexposed and underdeveloped. Always being in the spotlight blinds you. It can be additive and corrosive to one’s character. Great leaders build deep spiritual, emotional and intellectual reserves through prays, quietness, reading and thinking about their responsibilities. They balance time spent in the public eye with time alone. Nehemiah understood this. He thought through decisions, cries and criticism, seeking a wider perspective. He didn’t rush to a conclusion, knowing that making the right choice was far more important than making a fast one.
3.Cheerfulness:
Great leaders inspire. They maintain a hopeful attitude, even in the face of discouragement, setback, constant criticism and abundant opposition. People don’t follow discouraged leaders. They follow those who persist with hope. The basis of leading with cheerfulness is not found in denying reality, faking optimism or creating political spin. It’s rooted in the faith. Notable leaders keep on believing in what is right when everyone else wants to give in or give up. They believe in overcoming evil with good.
4.Concentration:
Great leaders stay focused on their objectives. They pay attention to key issues and refocus to be distracted by less important ones. Our next president come 2011 needs to examine the two or three most critical issues facing Liberia and its people and not an exhaustive agenda of insignificant problems.
5.Courage
When he was recruiting men for his Antarctic expedition in 1913, Sir Ernest Shackleton place an advertisement in a London newspaper that read: “men wanted hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” What he was saying was that only courageous people need to apply; the same goes for the presidency. When the situation requires it and the cause is worth the cost, leaders do not hesitate to take risks. When you must jump across a canyon, cautious small steps and vacillation won’t work. Sometimes you just have to go for it. Genuine leaders are willing to pay the price. Attacking tough issues takes great courage because the solutions aren’t always popular. Without courage, leaders are just salve to shifting public opinion.
6. Clear Conscience
Some people believe that when it comes to their leaders, private lives don’t matter, but we see in the media every day that, that’s not the case. Their sins may be personal, but they are definitely not private. These missteps crush credibility and follower’s trust. Personal integrity is vital because leadership is always built on trust. The moment a leader loses that, he or she is no longer a leader regardless of title or position.
Now, we need to take these qualities serious and apply them to our voting conscience. The last elections were not that crucial but 2011 is more crucial to the upliftment and true development of the country so be sober minded. Thanks.
It is your son
Michael Kesselly
_________________ Former Representative Candidate (Dist. #3 Montserrado County)2005 elections, Executive director The Liberia Political Science Association, Proprietor of the Micketta's School System
Comments (1)
1. 30-12-2009 06:57
Good Dream,Mr.Kesselly!!
Mr. Kesselly, I am so proud of you that you decided to serve your nation.You went to your people the last election asking them for thier power and now you are again asking them to give you that power. Do not give up your efforts in making them understand your platform.Excluding your political ambition, you have served your nation by running an orphanage home for thousand of helpless Liberian and run an institution for affordable fees for the Liberian kids. You are one of the prime organizers of the Liberia Political Science Association(LIPOSA) which analyses political situations and write the government, stake- holders and NGOs for solutions or the plans of action. As the Executive Secretary for LIPOSA, I am a living witnesses for your tireless sacrifices here in Liberia.Your legacy is still seen and felt here.I am asking all well meaning Liberian to contact you in America and Europe to join you along with your team to change Liberia through the hands of Liberians with new dream with new approach to restore mama Liberia Good day!!
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For more than 15 years Liberia has been struggling for a leader that
will take the country to the next level. We have been on try and error
for so long and seem not to work for us. Almost two years from now we
are going to the poll again to choose a leader for this old African
suffering nation.
The question is, who should we cast our votes for again? This gone election we were given the option to choose from twenty-one presidential candidates. What will it be come 2011 elections? Will we have 42 candidates or we are going to reduce the number to 10 or 5. 
Good day!!
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