On Choosing A Leader

The future of this country is literally in your hands. May 13 is make or break for us Filipinos because we get to choose who to put in power. The right choice puts into office leaders not just with grand visions but better implementation and our wrong choices install leaders overpowering the people while pocketing millions again in their coffers.

So how do we choose? Is it enough to select based on the candidates’ photogenic appearance on posters proliferating around the metro? Can a catchy jingle influence you to cast a vote towards someone credible? Will paid-for ads on national TV, radio and print suffice for us to make a wise decision? Are visits and handshakes in barangays worthy of a shaded circle? This is the time that a Filipino should decide wisely or our fate is sealed in the next few years.

I had a chance to read a book entitled “Courageous Leadership” by Bill Hybels. This man leads a huge organization in America with over 30,000 members and thousands of volunteers. For more than 20 years the organization he leads is progressing at a steady rate with more members involved per annum. Take note, volunteers, not paid employees, there’s a difference there. The book outlines 3C’s in selecting quality leaders to which I added a 4th C. Here they are:

On choosing a leader, foremost quality should be “character.” Don’t be mesmerized by their eloquent speeches. Instead, find out if this candidate’s life ties up with what he says and what he does personally and professionally. You cannot separate your personal life from your professional life. They integrate. When they do, that’s called integrity. If a candidate can manage his personal affairs transparently, you can be assured that that leader can be just as transparent in office. Paying taxes displays character. Leading a balanced family life is character. Having a strong faith with principles display character. This country now, more than ever, needs people with character because the reputation of politicians has been blemished by “what-I-can get-leadership” instead of “what-I-can give leadership.” A noble character is a good start but it may not enough.

Second is “competence.” People will argue it’s the other way around, competence over character. We have placed in office very competent leaders who know the law so well, that they are the same people with the ability to bend it to their favor. But a principle-centered, values-oriented leader will operate with integrity first. The need however for competence is critical. We need someone who can deliver results. Someone who can put plans, no matter how lofty or audacious, into action. We don’t just need a “nice” guy or lady, because that can be bought, but someone capable of turning the city, province or nation around. You can determine that by the person’s track record while in office or if the candidate is a newbie, study his accomplishments in private practice. Education is not a guarantee. Articulation is insufficient. We need leaders who mean what they say, and do what they say. We need can-do leaders if we want to see better roads, more jobs, lower poverty rate, stricter governance, benefits for citizens and the courage to counter-attack crime.

Next would be “commitment.” Great leaders should be starters and finishers, and I’m not just talking about projects. But they understand that people come first so they put the citizen’s interests ahead. How do you know? It’s when they’ve sat with you months before the campaign season to listen, understand and get the pulse of people’s needs. It is from there that you will discover a servant-led leader who is bound to be committed because his heart resonates with the heart of the masses. When a leader knows the bad shape of those around him, it agitates him and he will be its first advocate, which leads to a solid, unconditional, commitment. Seldom will you find leaders today invest the time to listen to the difficulties of people, yet are quick to hang out with you for a round of drinks, peanuts and a karaoke 3 weeks before election day. If a leader is willing to wake up at 3 A.M. to show up because of a fire in the neighborhood, then you know that leader is attached to serve people.

And lastly, “chemistry.” Let me differentiate leaders from politicians. Leaders will find ways to be genuinely interested in the welfare of people while politicians will only find ways to make themselves interesting or likeable to people. True leaders have the ability to connect with others from the wealthiest to the poorest. The right leader should never play favorites because he believes in equality for all. He has the humility to converse with security guards, metro aides, traffic enforcers, market vendors and the countenance to work with other officials even if they are not on his party list. He finds ways to reach settlements, resolve conflicts and win even enemies without compromising his morals. After all, that’s what chemists are known for —- they mix and match until they find the perfect antidote. Chemisty is about being others-centered instead of self-centered. Some candidates will kill you with kindness today and then mudsling, insult, gossip or defame others tomorrow. The leaders we put in power should not be tyrants but peacemakers.

Now the rich will decide logically, and for a few, presumably, will build alliances that will benefit their business ventures later on. The poor on the other hand, will vote based on emotions. Whoever can entertain them, give out a sack of rice or a P500 bill during a rally and can perform “Gangnam” alongside with them may become their obvious choice. But we need to look beyond that. We need to choose intellectually and heartily. Allowing your vote to be manipulated degrades your dignity.

And for those who are unregistered, don’t be indifferent. You are not powerless because you can still educate people to refuse vote buying and decide wisely. If you happen to be a business owner, give your employees the right to freely choose their candidates. Don’t force them to cast their votes for your candidate because your dictatorship is a reflection of your character. It mimics how the candidates you endorse remove power from the people.

Finally, review the Philippine preamble. Stated there clearly is that we are a sovereign people, needing the aid of Almighty God to build a humane society thru a government that embodies virtues. We have forgotten this. But you don’t need to memorize it to understand it. In you lies the power to make our country a land of free men where our children one day will wake up to the reality of a shining Philippines, regaining its title as “The Pearl of the Orient.”

Pray to the Almighty and vote wisely!