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LEADERSHIP & SOUTH AFRICA?
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The history of our country shows many fine examples of both great and pathetic political leaders. Through thick and thin our nation has evolved exhibiting only one constant, and that is change.
At this time, we again find ourselves at a political crossroad, with many of us wondering what lies ahead for the nation. Elections loom with little consensus about who will lead us or how we will be lead.
But what is leadership?
Dictionary definitions abound, and academics classify leadership into styles like "bureaucratic", "charismatic", "autocratic", "democratic", "laissez-faire", "popular", and many others. Commonly stated characteristics of leaders include that they …
~ Have a vision ~ Make decisions ~ Take risks ~ Motivate others ~ Build teams
~ Possess self knowledge ~ Display integrity ~ Pursue life long learning (wisdom)
~ Communicate effectively ~ Help others succeed
But aside from these characteristics, leaders must have a specific job to do. In the business of leading nations, this boils down to a few simple leadership ingredients …
~ Credibly describe a future state that is preferable to the present one.
~ Act as a bridge between the present state and the future one.
~ Appear desirable enough to energise followers.
~ Succeed at speaking to followers in an emotionally appealing way.
At the heart of these ingredients lies the fundamental requirement that the leader must BE LIKED in order to be elected and supported.
What makes one liked?
Research on this question yields three primary traits which drive a person's "likeability".
Firstly is a person's appearance.
It comes as no surprise that we "judge the book by its cover". Good looks, sexiness, well kempt and well dressed are common characteristics of the "appealing" human.
Next is intelligence.
From the Latin "intellegre - to understand", intelligence means being mentally capable in a holistic sense as opposed to being "smart" or "clever". People who have the intelligence to like other people are in turn themselves liked.
Finally comes the illusive ingredient, charm or charisma.
From the Greek word "kharisma - gift or divine favour", charisma refers to a magnetic personality quality that produces innate and powerful personal persuasiveness.
So which of our current crop of political contestants are the most ATTRACTIVE, INTELLIGENT and CHARMING?
We asked this question open ended on the Bateleur Khanya ShopperBus in May this year. 500 adult South Africans spanning LSMs 5 to 10 were interviewed.
Here's what they had to say …
MOST ATTRACTIVE?
Actually none! We lack a "heart throb" like JFK was. 23% of the sample categorically said that no politician is attractive, with white respondents topping the bill at nearly 4 out 10.
Jacob and Patricia tied for first place, but with only 8% consensus. As expected, black respondents favoured Jacob, and coloured respondents prefer Patricia.
Those white respondents who did have a most attractive politician were older, upper income and voted for Trevor and Helen.
"Also rans" included, in rank order, Tony (Yengeni), Winnie and Phumzile.
MOST INTELLIGENT?
Overall the scores for perceived intelligence were abysmally low, with very little consensus.
Only Jacob beat the "none" candidate! And, rated high only amongst black respondents.
Contenders for intelligence also included Trevor, Helen and Patricia (amongst whites and coloureds).
MOST CHARMING?
At least the top candidate was not "none"! But, pitifully little consensus was achieved here as well.
At only 14% Jacob scored highest, followed closely by Trevor (11%) and Thabo (11%).
Helen and Patricia were also favourably rated in terms of charm.
Black respondents are wooed by Jacob or Thabo, while whites follow Trevor and Helen, and coloureds Helen and Patricia.
Well, what do you think? Do we need a fresh crop of potential leaders? Or, are the faces above the way to a better life for all South Africans?