Newsletter Excerpt: Wisdom from the Motherland - Leadership Lesson 10 from Shaka Zulu
Lesson 10 - Never believe your own PR
Many leaders, after doing extra-ordinary work for their people, then turn against the very same people. Many leaders stay in the seat of power too long; it saps their energy and their minds. When they begin to flounder, they turn against their very own people.
Perhaps Shaka achieved too much too quickly. In twelve years Shaka had achieved more than Dingiswayo had foreseen in his wildest dreams. Success began to go to his head. He began to believe that he was greater than the Zulu nation. He seemed to be interested in ruling by fear. He started to say that he wanted to rule forever, even from the grave! He began to impose severely harsh conditions on his warriors, and mutiny suddenly became a reality. He imposed martial law and many people were put to death who defied his decrees. This is how the Great Thunderer ultimately created his own downfall as a leader. The great builder of the Zulu empire was destroying it toward the end of his life. And in the end, he was assassinated.
You see, we all like praises. But here is a warning - you must remember that praise-singers are paid to sing your praises. Even when your greatness fades before their very own eyes, they will continue to sing. After all, each dog knows where its bone comes from. You must listen to your praise-singers with one ear, and keep the other ear close to the herd-boys. There is more truth in their songs and stories.
Once a leader believes everything that the praise- singers say, it is time to step aside for the next leader. If not, he sharpens the spear to take his very own life:
- Never think you have arrived. Remain critical of your products, your systems, and your service, however successful you may be.
- Keep a modest perspective on your achievements. Use this perspective to motivate your staff for still better performance.
- The Public Relations Department must present your company to the outside world. They are paid to show the bright side. Keep in mind, however, that their work will be counterproductive if your delivery does not live up to their promises.
- Do not overestimate the role of PR. It is primarily for purposes of marketing and damage control. It cannot provide an objective analysis of your company.
- If and when accolades come, do not assume that you are superhuman. Remember, many great companies that rested on their laurels eventually got wiped out.
- Always be mindful that your close aides are paid to be just that - therefore they may not always be bold enough to tell you when your leadership falters.
- If you run out of ideas and energy in your leadership role, be strong enough to admit that and make way for new leadership. Remember, leadership is a privilege, not a right.
- What distinguishes great leaders from ordinary leaders is that the former see themselves as instruments of a greater mission, while the latter see the greater mission as instruments of their own personal glory.
Leadership Lessons from Emperor Shaka Zulu the Great Written by: Phinda Mzwakhe Madi
This is the tenth and final lesson from the life of Emperor Shaka Zulu to help us become more effective leaders today. I have enjoyed bringing these lessons to you.
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Vusi
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