Leadership gap

            My first experience with leadership (in an organizational context) was when I joined the U.S. Army.  This was the first job I had in which there was a large hierarchal structure of leadership.  I had experienced other forms of leadership from teachers and coaches (i.e. youth sports) but none like military leadership.  Military leadership “guided” almost every aspect of my life – how I ought to think, behave, look, etc.  At the time, it was the type of leadership that I needed considering (at the age of 18) that I was somewhat misguided and undisciplined. I believed that my leaders knew what was best for me and the organization, and therefore I did not question it. 

            My grandparents and parents also held the attitude that “leaders” knew better. However, it had nothing to do with them being misguided and undisciplined but more to do with a cultural upbringing.  Filipinos (like many Asian cultures) can be submissive or passive – not out of fear but out of deference. In the case of my forefathers/mothers, they held the belief that leaders were extraordinary people who deserved to lead. This may stem from the fact that my family was raised poor and lacked education. 

            However, in my life, as I found success in the military and became a leader myself, I realized that an individual has more control of his or her life (and environment) that I previously thought. I am a college graduate (and now pursuing an MBA) and have more control on the outcome of my situation, and relying less on others “leadership”.  My children are also raised to know they can determine their destiny, through their decisions/choices.  Yet, those decisions must be guided by knowledge and critical thinking.  In this day and age, it is inexcusable to be ignorant or naïve. 

            Yet, with all the knowledge, methodologies, courses, etc. dedicated to making better leaders, there is still a gap. Despite the world being more connected, I believe that egocentrism is one reason why leaders have failed.  In some cases, the people who have risen to power are more focused on their own interests than that of the people they lead.  In a complex and ever changing business environment, leaders must strive to develop subordinate leaders – the power to make decisions cannot rest in one person (or a select few).  To correct this, leaders must work to develop the traits of trust, empathy, humility, and fairmindedness to name a few.