Many are unable to make the transition from campaigning to governing. A direct consequence is a preoccupation with partisan interest. Mature leadership transcends selfishness. Immaturity is unable to do so. In the quest to improve sport governance and leadership, examples of mature and immature guidance can be found in all areas of daily life. There is no intent to disparage anyone, but rather to highlight that when we don’t take a mature and holistic view, mediocre results and unacceptable tradeoffs will be the outcome. All of us who have been elected share a great privilege: We’ve been placed in office by the votes of those we serve. It is a privilege shared by elected leaders in politics, sports, communities, civil society and non-government organisations. It is a privilege no one ought to take for granted. Just as a government owe their success in elections to the citizens of the nation and as such should work for the people. All elected leaders have a responsibility, obligation and duty to focus on working for the benefit and good of all - those who voted for and those who voted against and those who for personal reasons choose to abstain.
Let’s not associate maturity with getting older. That is a false association. Some people simply get older not more mature. Maturity is the ability to see and think beyond selfishness. It is the ability to put the interests and development of others first. If we use, as an example, the marathon 27-hour no confidence in the Prime Minister debate, one may well say it was an opportunity lost. Aside from picong and tit for tat accusations that advanced their own ends what came through loud and clear sounded a lot like traditional, command and control, top down and archaic governance, governing and leadership. If one were to judge by the debate contributions – the national interest of the country, society and future generation’s matters not when compared to what is in the best interest of the respective political parties. In developed and mature societies, political parties and political systems are guided by a political idea or philosophy. In every aspect of national life, a society needs leaders who are positive role models and exemplars. As such political leaders have a tremendous responsibility. Our members of parliament could have auditioned their big ideas and vision for T&T and the nation’s future - setting a positive example and creating a defining moment for mature leadership and governance. And, we would have gotten a narrative on the political ideals perspectives, philosophy, ideology and values behind their policies and proposals.
Good governance and ethical transformation are evolutionary notions that blossom with maturity, fortitude, temperance and providence. It was troubling the lip service to values such as integrity, honesty and transparency. Water under the bridge – that was yesterday- what are the lessons in governance and leadership? Where then are sport leaders and other civil society leaders to look toward for stewardship and leadership best practice examples? What is the national vision and value system that provides a signpost for sport and other national activities? What is going on? When will truth and good sense prevail? When will the lies and lying stop? Who cares about the brokenness of our times? This is craziness. As unbearable as unsatisfied avarice maybe our greatest enemy is not corruption or greed but despair. Despair is treacherous as it silences courage, shatters hope and destroys faith. Sir Francis Bacon cautioned that “men believe what they prefer” and “it is an immense ocean that surrounds the island of truth.” As we sit beside the rivers of Babylon bounded by foreboding and gloom - all that we can say is despair not for his faithful love endures forever.
-Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt