The true role of government ministers
Dear Editor,
Government is a body of representatives of the people, by the people, to do for the people what the people are unable to do for themselves in their individual and personal capacity. This entails the provision of essential infrastructures, including education and health services.
A government provides political direction and exercise control over communities, states and countries in a civil society. The governing body should be of members who have high ethical standards across the board. Members must embody character, integrity, fairness, honesty and be driven by the determination to do what’s right for the people they represent.
It is imperative that a governing body has well-rounded, ethical intellectuals who are capable of thinking, organising, planning, and guiding their constituents in the most effective modus operandi to sustain and advance their societies. It is part of government’s commitment for sustainable development, balancing economic progress with environmental care and social responsibility.
We are faced with a new reality today where our people are failing to confront or take responsibility for the challenges in their own lives and set their priorities, hence relegating their responsibilities and thinking to some “so-called” leaders of the clergy and political parties. When their expectations do not materialise, they blame the government, not themselves, who for the most part elected these public servants.
Some of our people tend to gravitate to these charismatic charlatans and courtesans because the oral feculence from these chatters may appeal to their aural sense.
Authentic charisma entails ethical, genuine, and motivating leadership by providing guidance that creates understanding and compliance to achieve any objective.
Charisma without ethical behaviour and intelligent decision-making skills is not leadership. There are some who proffer themselves for leadership positions in religion, public service, and the private sector with deceptive titles, but they are no more than intellectual charlatans and courtesans with empty craniums out to make a fast buck.
Leaders must adhere to the laws of the country and be able to motivate and mobilise their followers to do likewise. A good leader listens, evaluates, and processes information from all levels, and counter where appropriate in order to find workable solutions. In other words, he follows the principle of the three (3) Ps:
(1) Pause – Listen keenly and plan a strategy and prepare by considering all the alternatives for setting goals.
(2) Process – the most relevant information pertaining to a particular goal. Avoid cramming too many details.
(3) Pace – Proceed by engaging the best talents available and strive for quality over quantity.
Leaders do not know everything, and they should be cognisant of the fact that experience comes from making bad judgements, and good judgment evolves out of experience.
Look forward and think about how any decisions made now will impact the future.
Lead by example – listen, learn and communicate effectively. One secret of success lies in the power of relationships. Foster and nurture relationships in order to achieve goals.
Ken Damally
Sunrise, Fl 33322
rodama3@bellsouth.net