The Dualities of Leadership

A Letter to Aspiring Young Leaders

Dear Young Leader,

As you step into new roles and positions, I can't help but feel both excited and reflective. Leadership, at its core, is a paradox, filled with dualities that can be hard to navigate. What you'll quickly realize is that to be an effective leader, you must be both strong and tender, visionary yet grounded. Above all, you'll learn that balance is not just good—it's golden.

Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash

Strength and Tenderness

It's often assumed that a leader should be as unyielding as steel, resistant to pressure and invulnerable to stress. While strength is essential, so is tenderness. There will be times when your team will need you to be their rock—solid, dependable, and fearless. And there will be other times when what they'll need most is your compassion, your ability to listen, and your understanding. Striking the balance between the two is what defines a great leader.

Vision and Groundedness

Dreaming big is an important quality in leadership. You should have the vision to see what others don't, the foresight to plan for the future, and the imagination to think beyond the status quo. But never let your vision cloud the reality or make you forget the steps needed to reach your goals. Being visionary is commendable, but staying grounded ensures the vision is achievable.

Learning from the Past, Building the Future

Always pay attention to the leaders and mentors who came before you. Listen to their stories, their struggles, their successes and failures. There's a wealth of knowledge to gain from their experiences. At the same time, be bold in forging your own path, for leadership in the 21st century will be unlike leadership in any other era. Technology has opened new doors and presented new challenges; make sure to embrace it fully, responsibly, and creatively.

Authenticity is Key

In an age of hyperconnectivity, people can easily distinguish between who is real and who is putting on a façade. Authenticity wins every time. Don't try to be a leader you admire; be the best version of yourself. Your authenticity is what will make your leadership style unique and will draw people toward you.

Final Thoughts

Remember, leadership is not just about you; it's about the people you lead. Your role is to serve, inspire, guide, and sometimes, get out of the way to let others shine. This will be challenging, demanding, and will require sacrifices, but the reward is the unique privilege to make a lasting impact on people’s lives and institutions.

Step into your roles with humility and courage. Be kind to yourselves and extend that kindness to those around you. The world needs more leaders who are not just competent but also full of humanity.

Wishing you all the best on your leadership journey,

Dekunle