POLISCI/C38

Santos, Kenneth S.

The means of creating a sense of order, instigating mutual aid and mending

conflicts. These are just several purposes that politics serve. But how will these

optimistic ends be brought to reality? It is only possible through the exercise of

leadership. They say that the only ship which can survive at the sea in the middle of a

violent storm is leadership. It might be comical, but still it reflects the simplest essence

of what leadership is. What makes it so strong, that even in the worst of times, it can

endure? Well, first and foremost, leadership is a compelling entity. It must be able to

drive others towards a projected intention while it motivates them to act at the same

time. Though it is compelling, leadership must not force, rather it should encourage.

Secondly, leadership must be always of service. Only through service-oriented

leadership are people more willing to follow. And lastly, a leadership must be just and

impartial. It must show unbiased approvals and criticisms on matters at hand, be it big

or small. Various models of leadership had been laid down to us throughout time, but

what model is most effective differs from our person to person. Given the current

situation we are in, my opinion is that we need is a transparent and responsible

leadership. Most people nowadays refuse to involve themselves to political life. This is

due to the inconsistencies of our political system. Dishonest transactions, fraud and

treachery, corruption. These are what dwells in our system. In effect, people are

discouraged to practice their given political rights. This is the complete opposite of the

times before, when people were more concerned about societal order. A competent

leadership must then emerge, and make things right again. This leadership must be a
catalyst of change, a powerful mechanism which would abort disgust from politics. It

should compel and give people due service. We have now defined what leadership we

need. Our vessel had been prepared for journey. But who will be the captain? Who will

fire up the engines to make us go forward? Practice and theory are two greatly

intertwined designs of action. One will not effect without due support from the other.

Now, going back to our ship which serves as the theory of leadership, we are in search

for a captain, a man who will put that theory into practice. Our captain is best portrayed

by none other than a leader. Again, what does it take to be a leader? How were men

and women, like Magsaysay and Aquino be able to create turning points in history that

remained eternally significant to our lives? Anyone can identify himself or herself as a

leader, by all means. But not everyone can be justified a true leader. It might be a

cliché to say that leaders are good followers, but in its simplest sense, how would you

expect responsible leadership to spring from a person who refuses to follow order? We

ncan be rest assured that upright command will come from a leader who knows and

follows the law. This does not mean, however, that a leader must always be bound with

the rules. He must have great discernment and decision making capabilities in order to

point out what is ought to be done given a situation. A true leader must possess great

concern for the welfare of his constituents. He must promote and protect their rights,

privileges and freedoms in any way possible. Not everyone feels the compassion to

bring about transformations to society. Leadership is not intended to fulfil a single

person’s own intentions, nor is it a means through which one can amass wealth and

exploit power. Being a leader must always be synonymous to service. With a strong

principle of leadership, and a righteous leader our ship is now ready to journey.
Can we now consider all politicians as leaders? Or is there a distinguishing factor which

greatly differentiates the two? Who now are politicians, who now are true leaders? Each

generation writes its own history.