JCC head calls for leadership by example

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Milton Samuda says Jamaica requires leadership by example if the country is to overcome its ills.

Addressing the annual general meeting of the Police Officers Association at Breezes Runaway Bay in St Ann on Thursday, Samuda, in reference to the theme of the meeting - 'Leadership in Times of Uncertainty' - said such leadership is required from the political directorate through to the leadership at home.

Samuda prefaced his comments with a raft of questions relating to the uncertainties that exist across the society. He said there was uncertainty as to whether the global recession had bottomed out, whether the world economy was in recovery, uncertainty as to the American economy and if there would be double digit inflation. There is also uncertainty with Jamaica's economy, he said.

"Is our recovery real and sustainable? Can we meet our several obligations as they fall due? Do we have the courage to stay the course of financial prudence and discipline? Can we start to create sufficient jobs to meet the needs and aspirations of all of our people?" Samuda asked.

Uncertainty

Uncertainty also surrounds our future, he said.

"Will those graduating find jobs? How many people will die on the roads this year? When and where will crime strike next? What will be the amount of our next JPS bill?

"So there is great uncertainty, but then I wish to suggest to you that uncertainty is a part of life that needs to be expected; after all, it is an important component of what we call the future. I will concede that in this time the uncertainty seems to be heightened. Against that background, what difference can leadership make? What are the citizens to expect from their leaders?" Samuda again asked.

In answering the first question, Samuda said leadership could make a tremendous difference.

Bad leadership, he said, could and would create disaster; poor leadership might create disaster; good leadership can avoid disaster; great leadership would not only avoid disaster but would create opportunity and craft success.

In answering the second question, Samuda said citizens ought to expect little more than they would expect at any other time, as the quality of leadership doesn't change depending on the times.

Qualities unchanged

He argued that whether times are easy or hard, challenging or unchallenging, the principal qualities of leadership remain unchanged.

"A great leader displays those qualities whether or not they lead in challenging or uncertain times," he said.

He continued: "So what are those qualities? Vision and inspiration, integrity, courage, competence, persuasiveness, openness and, of course, example. Example, example - do what I do. Leadership by example, void of hypocrisy and void of cowardice, that is what is required, and it is not required only from those who lead but is also required from those who are led.

"Leadership which we desire must be from the level of our political directorate right through - notice I did not say down - to leadership in our home. Too many of us desire the perks of leadership but not the burden of responsible leadership."

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington said members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have embraced the idea of new professionalism and were conducting themselves based on the standards which have been set by the constabulary. This, he said, has resulted in improved performance of the JCF as an organisation.

Ellington also challenged the persons aspiring for leadership to do so with the sole objective of dedicating their tenure to the service of those whom they wish to lead.