Aspirants Need To Leave Empowered Organizations, As End Of Crises Management In The Public Sector Looms
By Mwangi Wanjumbi – Newtimes B. S. CEO & Chief Consultant/Trainer
Just this month of September, numerous senior public servants have left office to try their luck in the seemingly lucrative political arena. On the other hand, there are many private sector players whose eyes are also set on the same arena. However, based on past history, some aspirants may have ventured out there to endear themselves with voters, but focusing more on the future. Others are desirous and will leave nothing to chance to ensure that they clinch the desired political seats.
Whatever the situation, something about the 2013 elections stands out. Politicians will no longer hold executive leadership positions as government ministers. Instead, they will be left to make and safeguard the laws of the land, as the government is managed by appointed technocrats. Could the new leadership setup steer the government from the now familiar perennial crises management system?
We can only hope so, especially in light of the numerous worker strikes currently immobilizing services in the public sector. Further, no country or organization anywhere can experience focused and meaningful development through crises management.
Meanwhile, the national political offices have this time increased tremendously, especially through decentralization, the brand new regional governance structures. Indeed, the competitive and highly lucrative offices have more than doubled to not less than 500, compared to the previous about 210 legislative positions. More still, the new figure is made up of members of parliament, county governors, county senators as well as women and youth representatives amongst others.
Inevitably, the posts present great opportunities of acquiring personal power, therefore thousands and thousands of aspirants. Alongside, the same present numerous threats to existing business organizations. In retrospect, the organizations have made the respective candidates to rise to the respectable positions that now form their springboards to political power.
Apparently, as the stars continue shining for the aspiring leaders, their business organizations need to continue progressing as well. The exchequer needs the respective taxes. Employment and wealth creation needs to continue as well, without impediments. The candidates will likewise need to be guided by a new set of skills. It is no longer just a matter of getting to the top through clinching the highest number of votes, whatever the process followed.
The constitution is now providing guides on new leadership order that is still taking shape. Further, Kenyans have been empowered by the same constitution. Anybody is free to take action through the newly empowered courts of law, on any wayward public leader.
Thus, there is every reason for the candidates to seek empowerment with new principled leadership skills. This is leadership that will endear them not just to their electorate, but also to the entire Kenyan population. Conversely, a common African saying intimates that ‘there is all likelihood to get back from where one came from,” when literally translated.
Therefore, do not live your business organizations in limbo. Let the management left behind, be empowered through innovative business leadership and performance management skills. Ideally, let your employees own the respective organizations, only through being empowered with the right performance skills and attitudes.
Incidentally, the same applies to business executives who are no longer interested in micro-managing their organizations, but nevertheless expecting results from empowered teams that are endowed with the right performance skills and attitudes. Do you need more freedom from your organization, but still continue efficiently achieving the desired objectives, as well as transforming your organization to new levels of progress? You and your organization are also welcome.