I can lead. You can lead. Together we can lead.
Life is like a coin; and although you can use it any way you wish, you can only
use it once. This was the message from Dr David Molapo, renowned educator,
management consultant and youth development expert at UJ’s Alumni leadership
launch.
The launch in March 2012 at the Bunting Road Campus kick-started the I Can… Lead
series, which is part of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between UJ
Alumni Network and Dr Molapo’s I Can Foundation.
Molapo repeatedly told the 200 students – leaders from society, the Student Council,
House Committees, UJ volunteer programme and top achievers – that by focusing they
could all be great leaders.
Although not the tallest man by far, it doesn’t take long before Molapo’s stage presence
fills a room. He had the students singing, clapping, shouting and repeating after him…
Mesmerised by his message of hope – we are no longer prisoners of our past, but
pioneers of our future.
“It is important to constantly remind yourself that you are a leader; that you were born to
lead. And it is just as important to make sure that you are not confused by outside
factors like change, competition, comparison, mismanagement or failure.
“As a leader you will always have influence, whether negative or positive.”
The students were asked to stand and repeat after him: “Leadership is not the
maintenance of followers. It is the ability to transform followers in order to make them
better leaders.”
In other words, you want your followers to become as good as you are. You want to
empower them, he says, so that you can leave a legacy – and not a vacancy.
Dr Molapo pointed out three different levels of leadership:
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At first you are with the people; there where they can touch you;
Then they start challenging you; you now have to start watching your back; and
You are now above the people; at the place where they want to tear you down.
Dr Molapo made the most important step in the progress of becoming a great leader his
motto when he was jailed as a 13-year old boy – the “I Can” part. While detained he
found a Bible and randomly opened it… I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13, King James Version). He then decided that he can
and would one day become a doctor. The idea of “I Can” was born.
He later discovered twelve aspects about leaders and this is what UJ leaders had to
repeat once again after him:
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Leaders are born; not borrowed
“It is important to remember that everyone is born to be great; to do something
with his life. You often find out that there is more to life while in a desperate
situation. Make sure you use the second chance you are offered wisely.”
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Vision
“What I visualise, may materialise. After I decided that I would one day become a
doctor, I started walking as one… seeing myself as one. I knew that I was born to
be great.”
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Passion
“All great leaders have passion; and they pass it on to the next person. This is
not something that can be tought as you already have it in you.”
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You will be overwhelmed
“Leadership has no political strings. It, however, comes with a price and
unfortunately you will have to pay for it. Stress and fatigue are part of the
package. This is not always an easy road. The bottom line here is that you need
God.”
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My assignment as a leader must outlive me
“I must leave a legacy so that people will remember me. If you have the wrong
motive, you will be exposed.”
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You will often be misunderstood; even by those closest to you
“Remember that everything you say and do will be looked at as if under a
microscope. And the road you chose may often be under construction, causing
you to fall. Make sure you get up again…”
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Focus
“If you can’t focus, how can you lead or manage yourself… let alone others?
Whether you clean toilets or work in a garden, do your job – as a leader – in such
a way that you will be rewarded. Once you are focused, a toilet cleaner becomes
a sanitation engineer; a gardener a landscape engineer.
“Always remember that one bad decision can mess up your life and the road
forward.”
According to him time is of essence when making a decision. “I very early in life
realised that temporary pleasures can lead to permanent damage; also that by
rushing you can end up crushing.”
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As a leader you will attract the right friends
“A great leader will never be liked by everybody because some principles are
non-negotiable.”
He warned about the friends a leader will have to deal with – past, present and
future.
“Past friends will always drag you back into the past; telling you about your
failures. Make sure you remember that your past is your past and that you are no
longer a prisoner of the past, but a pioneer of the future. Say goodbye to those
friends.”
To him the most dangerous friend is the present one as this one usually comes
with conditions. “Time spent with these friends will put a strain on you as they will
use and manipulate you. Once they can’t use you anymore, they will let go of
you.”
Everyone needs a friend of the future. “It is the person who believes in me even
more than I believe in myself. A friend like this is ethically driven and will speak
well of you… even in you absence.”
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Period of waiting
“Nobody is born qualified; you have to become qualified. A leader should not be
arrogant, but hungry and willing to learn. This waiting time should not be seen as
time wasted but as a learning time. Don’t rush; enjoy the journey.”
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Risk taker
“The difference between a care- and a risk taker is that a caretaker takes care of
other people’s business. They paralyse positivity and try to take others down with
them. Life is too short for that: focus on and discover yourself. Be a risk taker.”
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Unlock generosity
Everyone has a generous spirit and great leaders are especially generous with
love as they love themselves first.
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A leader brings hope; influence people positively
“Words are extremely powerful and it is your duty as a leader to inspire people by
bringing hope. Young people should not see themselves as the hopeless
generation. Look at them and see who and what they can become. Give them
hope.”
Dr Molapo ended his talk by telling the students what “I Can” stands for: I for I; C for
committed; A for assuming responsibilities and N for never giving up.
There was not a person present who wasn’t touched when the students sang, Never
give up, with him... clapping their fingers while swinging to the rhythm.
“Let’s move from success to significance. As we start this leadership programme,
remember: I can lead; you can lead… together we can lead.”
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I Can Consulting Services is a 100% black owned company, led by Dr David
Molapo. Its vision is to contribute towards the creation of an informed, democratic
and diverse nation. Its mission – to build capacity through education, networking
and empowerment programs. Values – personal empowerment, quality service,
responsibility, tolerance and integrity. Launched originally in South Africa in 1991,
The I Can Foundation, a Section 21 Company, continues to be one of the most
progressive youth and community development organisations in the country.
As part of the memorandum of understanding between I Can Consulting Services
and UJ four Alumni leadership sessions will be held throughout 2012.