Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Secretary, Markazi Taleemi Board
Leadership is one of the most essential skills that students must develop in the 21st century. Unfortunately, in our society, leadership is often viewed only in the context of politics. However, both Eastern and Western civilizations recognize that leadership extends far beyond the political sphere.
At some point in life, every individual assumes a leadership role, whether big or small. Leadership skills are crucial because, without them, one cannot effectively and positively fulfill their responsibilities. For example, an elder sibling is a leader for the younger one, a father leads the family, a mother leads within her home, and a senior office employee is a leader in the workplace. Even middle-level managers and frontline workers exhibit leadership within their respective roles. Leadership begins in childhood—when two children interact, the elder naturally assumes a leadership position, which the younger acknowledges instinctively.
The Significance of Leadership
In today’s interconnected world, leadership is more crucial than ever. The nature of work has changed, with large teams collaborating in structured environments. As a result, leadership skills have become essential for individuals, teams, and organizations.
The importance of leadership is emphasized in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in which he stated:
“Every individual is a guardian and will be questioned about those under their care.”
This highlights that leadership is not confined to rulers; anyone who oversees others, regardless of the number of people, holds a leadership position.
Defining Leadership
Leadership is defined in various ways. A leader is someone who, with a clear vision, mobilizes people effectively to achieve a goal, overcomes challenges, and keeps the team motivated. Leadership is not merely about holding a position—it is about positively influencing others. While some individuals naturally possess leadership qualities, these skills can also be refined through practice and experience.
Essential Qualities of a Successful Leader
Some people are born with leadership qualities, but most individuals can acquire them through effort, education, practice, and experience. American author John C. Maxwell, in his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, outlines twenty-one key leadership principles. Schools should introduce these principles to students, incorporating programs to develop leadership skills. Given the current state of the Muslim community, it is especially vital for Muslim students to cultivate leadership abilities to contribute effectively in various fields.
The 21 Principles of Leadership
1. The Law of the Lid – A person’s leadership ability determines their level of effectiveness. Improving leadership skills enhances team performance.
2. The Law of Influence – Leadership is about influence, not authority. A leader impacts others positively.
3. The Law of Process – Leadership is developed daily through continuous learning and experience.
4. The Law of Navigation – A leader not only steers but charts the course, planning ahead for challenges.
5. The Law of Addition – True leaders serve others and add value to their lives.
6. The Law of Solid Ground – Trust is the foundation of leadership. Without trust, people will not follow.
7. The Law of Respect – People follow leaders they respect and admire.
8. The Law of Intuition – A leader sees situations through the lens of leadership, developed through experience.
9. The Law of Magnetism – Leaders attract people who reflect their own qualities.
10. The Law of Connection – Leaders must establish emotional connections before gaining support.
11. The Law of the Inner Circle – A leader’s success depends on their closest associates.
12. The Law of Empowerment – Confident leaders empower others and provide growth opportunities.
13. The Law of the Picture – People follow what they see; a leader must lead by example.
14. The Law of Buy-In – People first trust the leader, then the vision.
15. The Law of Victory – A leader always finds a way to succeed.
16. The Law of Momentum – Success becomes easier once momentum is gained.
17. The Law of Priorities – Effective leaders focus on what truly matters.
18. The Law of Sacrifice – Leadership requires personal sacrifices for greater goals.
19. The Law of Timing – Acting at the right time is crucial for success.
20. The Law of Explosive Growth – Developing leaders, not just followers, leads to exponential success.
21. The Law of Legacy – Leadership is about leaving a lasting impact and building sustainable systems.
Fundamental Leadership Skills
Leadership skills can be classified into three key areas:
1. Vision – A leader must have a clear vision that inspires people to work towards a common goal. The Prophets set the highest example of visionary leadership, aiming to establish divine guidance on Earth.
2. Planning – Strategic planning is essential to convert a vision into reality. Effective planning is a skill that should be taught to students.
3. Implementation – A leader must effectively utilize both human and material resources to execute plans successfully.
Leadership Approaches
1. Authoritarian Leadership – This style involves strict control, with the leader making all decisions. While effective in certain situations, it often discourages innovation and independent thinking.
2. Democratic Leadership – This approach involves consultation, collaboration, and collective decision-making. It fosters team spirit and innovation.
Key Responsibilities of a Leader
1. Review and Appreciation – Leaders must periodically assess their progress and acknowledge their team’s contributions.
2. Problem-Solving – Identifying and resolving challenges is a crucial leadership responsibility.
3. Handling Success and Failure – A leader credits the team for success and takes responsibility for failures, ensuring motivation remains high.
Types of Leadership Styles
1. Leading from the Front – The leader actively sets an example for the team, guiding them with personal involvement.
2. Leading from the Back – The leader provides support from behind, allowing the team to take charge while ensuring direction and security.
Developing Leadership Qualities in Students
To foster leadership skills, educational institutions must go beyond academic performance and focus on personality development. Schools should introduce leadership training programs through activities such as:
Student Organizations – Participation in groups like Scouts & Guides, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), or Islamic student organizations (SIO, GIO, CIO) helps cultivate leadership.
Project-Based Learning – Engaging in real-world projects, such as those based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), can develop leadership skills.
Communication Training – Strengthening students’ speaking and writing skills through debates, literary events, and public speaking exercises.
Conclusion
Leadership is a crucial skill for students in the 21st century. It is not just about holding a position but about influencing, guiding, and empowering others. Schools must recognize the importance of leadership training and incorporate programs that nurture future leaders. By doing so, they will not only develop individuals capable of leading teams and organizations but also contribute positively to society.
