Incompetence and poor leadership sets the sailing in peril
In a vast sea, a ship sits in troubled water, ready to be sailed. However, is the captain prepared to steer the wheel and take the lead to take the passengers safe from the threat of the storm?
On a Saturday morning, I found myself wondering what our future would hold if an incompetent and inexperienced captain were to be the one holding the helm. I was swamped with doubts and questions. Why would we entrust our lives to someone who is lousy, inept, and callow? As if we had any other options, though.
The captains that I am referring to – are student leaders or leaders in general. I am sorry if I may have strung a string and broke your little heart. However, this wasn’t addressed to a certain individual; I was talking in general. Our right to have the best and most qualified navigator has been nabbed right in front of our eyes. One more thing, the ship was actually hijacked by someone who’s egocentric, presumptuous, and a tyrant.
It could’ve been a smooth sail. It would have been an assurance for those of us who are expecting a safe journey this year. Guess what? The boat is sinking, and you have no one to rely on.
That confidence you have won’t take us anywhere. Being competent is definitely different from being confident. Being able to think that you can do things is completely different from being good at something. The empty words of yours and forged qualifications won’t miraculously make the sea apart and will prove nothing.
Anyone can be a leader, but not everyone is responsible, knowledgeable, and competent enough to take the authority and take full control.
What else, though, makes this journey seriously out of control? If one, or the leader, I must say, couldn’t envision plans or lacked vision, therein lies the problem. Failure to recognize the value of planning and being prepared implies that that leader does not know what to prioritize, how to inspire, and how to focus on the goal.
Poor leadership and incompetence are things we should address and take seriously. This does not mean you feel like you are performing well, which makes you a good leader. You’re not supposed to please your people; you’re supposed to serve them. If the majority of your people or students, who deserve your service, for example, doubt and question your leadership, that implies you are incompetent and have poor leadership.
So, what are the symptoms of poor leadership? The first red flag of poor leadership is when a leader does not know how to connect or empathize with others. A leader must be able to recognize the needs and emerging struggles of others. Neglecting simple requests or concerns, even if they are just trivial, is a sign that this certain leader lacks empathy towards other people. You are supposed to help them. If not, tell them that you understand what they are going through and that you’d try your best to figure out a way to address their needs or concerns.
No one wants a leader who is uncertain about how she/he deals with arising problems, addressing concerns, or referring an answer to a subordinate, even if it is just answerable by yes or no, or by simple reasoning. No one wants a leader who is incompetent, insensible, and ignorant. Everyone wants a leader who knows what she/he is doing, knows how to address concerns very well, and a leader who knows how to lead.
You know, people want assurance that they are being led to a better road to success. Being lead might just be something that is part of our lives that indicates it was just a temporary phase. While it is true that we are the true navigators of our own futures and lives, the way we are led has a significant impact on how we grow. Poor leadership jeopardizes the future of the people under this leadership.
Another red flag of poor leadership is when a leader is so sensitive about suggestions or changes that are definitely not welcome. Some leaders tend to worry about changes that might threaten their reputations. That’s why they strongly shut down suggestions. They are not open to new ideas or changes that would benefit the people who deserve better service from them. Good leaders take risks and know how to imply changes if necessary; they also know how to acknowledge beneficial changes and growth for the people in their service.
Part of being empathetic is being a good listener. Listening is different from hearing. If one tries to listen to others’ struggles, concerns, or suggestions, they try to understand what they are dealing with. If one hears from others but doesn’t take action, that is another red flag of poor leadership.
As a student leader, you are responsible for providing the best service that the students deserve and voted for. A disservice is the worst form of “thank you” that you could ever give after someone puts their utmost trust in you.
At the end of the day, no matter how the captain steers the helm and has our lives or futures entrusted to them, we are still on our own. We ought to protect and save ourselves from drowning, especially under their poor leadership. We ought to swim against the odds of pessimism and overcome the struggles that they couldn’t with their incompetence.
If you can’t stop doubting how they run the ship and handle failures and mistakes, never forget that you should never doubt yourself. You can see through them. You can make a difference and save others from drowning. You just have to go against the current and set your own sails.
