It was a delight and privilege to induct our new Year 12 Prefects during the week. They are a fine group of young men and women whom I am confident will lead well.
During my speech, I shared about some of the key qualities of a leader. While leaders must cast a clear vision for the future and positively influence those they lead, they also need to believe in that vision and make it a tangible reality.
The book of Nehemiah in the Bible refers to the work of Nehemiah the prophet, who was responsible for rebuilding the temple. Nehemiah did the work of casting a vision about what the temple would look like and how it could be constructed. He mobilised people to contribute to the building work by perceiving their strengths and weaknesses.
However, Nehemiah was a humble leader. He also pitched in and helped when help was required. He lifted some bricks and put them in place, not in a symbolic way, but in a practical and pragmatic way, because that was what was needed to get the job done.
Therefore, leadership is an interesting mix of casting a vision, perceiving need, mobilising people and helping practically when needed.
Mark 10: 43-45 from the bible was read at the prefect induction assembly:
……..whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
These verses remind us that it is not just what a leader says, or even does, that matters most. It is critical that a leader is a person of integrity whose motivation for leading is driven by a deep desire to serve others.
