If we are to address the leadership deficit in Africa, says leadership specialist Mark T. Jones, we must be prepared to acknowledge that we need to see things differently

Those of us engaged in or concerned about international trade frequently bemoan the state of leadership in emerging and frontier markets. There are familiar tales of woe about misunderstandings, limited capacity, poor project execution and corruption. Whilst it is easy to carp and criticise, it is surely beholden on us all to find practical solutions to what makes for effective leadership and management. The lexicon of leadership has been obsessed with power.

Invariably we hear talk of ‘the quest for power’, ‘achieving power’ and ‘the corridors of power’; sadly to date I have never heard anyone talking about ‘the corridors of responsibility’. Cabinet committees and the boards of companies all benefit from a greater candour, scrutiny and a spirit of openness. It should be a matter of concern that an increasing number of regimes, many of them across the continent of Africa seem intent on stifling investigative journalism.

Whenever I hear of such actions I am reminded of the pithy nineteen word chapter entitled: Science & Dictatorship that Albert Einstein submitted when invited to contribute to Dictatorship on its Trial (1930): “A Dictatorship means muzzles all round, and consequently stultification. Science can flourish only in an atmosphere of free speech.”

No society has a perfect system, but we all benefit from having a better understanding of the elements necessary to increase the chances of success. If we all have a clear appreciation of the key elements that take us forward, then those who are called upon to serve in executive roles are more likely to be imbued accordingly. It does appear rather odd that society seems to assume that certain people are born with leadership qualities or absorb them as if by osmosis.

The greater our responsibilities the more like tightrope walkers we become, and as a consequence Jones’ Octagon of Success (JOOS) [see below] becomes all the more pertinent. If we place too much emphasis on any one particular element, there is a real danger that things start to go awry; this is as true of companies and institutions as it is of individuals. JOOS enables us to recalibrate, something even entire nations have to do from time to time.

If we are to address the Leadership Deficit we must be prepared to acknowledge that we need to see things differently. It is self evident that many of decisions taken in banks, investment houses and even in governments are shaped by a confirmation bias that continuously clouds judgement.

Few administrations, financial institutions or international conglomerates seem willing or able to acknowledge confirmation bias, and yet in regard to attitudes towards much if not all of Africa this is a serious impediment to change. Africa’s leaders are not all kleptomaniacs any more than Western leaders are neo-colonialists.

Globalisation has morphed considerably since the notion first gained common acceptance. As connectivity increases the Five Ts of international business (Travel, Trade, Transparency, Trust & Transactions) become ever more important. There are some individuals, especially CEOs, COOs and corporate accountants, who might argue that travel is no longer important, especially in the era of social media and a slew of commercial websites such as Alibaba.

We should remain fervently committed to the value of business travel as integral to Business Intelligence (BI), as well as fostering greater understanding and being essential to establishing mutual respect. Talk of the Five Ts is of little value until we start to see a conscious effort being made to be better informed and genuinely objective.

Far greater emphasis needs to be placed on helping prepare our young in Africa and amongst the Diaspora for leadership in its many and varied guises. Regrettably the continent of Africa has not been particularly well served since Independence and yet is blessed with many remarkable young and talented citizens eager to play their part. The greatest threat to Africa is not the terrorism that some would have us believe, it is youth unemployment.

The challenge for current leaders, policy makers, educators and those committed to the continent is to ensure that we provide purposeful opportunities for the young, for out of their ranks will surely emerge the leaders of tomorrow.

Mark T Jones is a Leadership specialist. www.marktjones.com