The Inclined Leader

THE INCLINED LEADER

Rediscovering the principles for your personal development and growth. Published for Kalu Okoronkwo

ISBN:978-1-963581-22-5

Copyright@2024

PUBLISHED IN NIGERIA BY

Hazel Communications Ltd

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be used without the written permission of the publisher. For further information and permission, kindly contact:

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NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NIGERIA

CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

OKORONKWO, Kalu 1975 -

The Inclined Leader

1.                       Leadership (Applied psychology)

2.                       Ability

​ I. ​Title

​ BF637. L4  ​041 ​2024158.4

​ ISBN: 978-978-787-858-3 (pbk) ​AACR2  ​ ISBN: 978-978-787-859-0 (Hbk)

I

DEDICATION

T

his book is dedicated to the memory of my late parents: Mazi Okoronkwo Kalu and Elder (Mrs.)

Mercy Okoronkwo Kalu, who saw greatness in me and encouraged me to pursue my vision for good governance and leadership development. Your memories live on.

FOREWORD

T

o exercise leadership, you must accept that you are intrinsically a leader. It is innate as leadership qualities resides in everyone. However, leadership is often misinterpreted and mistaken as a position of authority and command or roles one plays. But true leadership is more than that, as you will soon discover in this book I have come to refer to as the manual of leadership.

It is therefore an honour and my pleasure to write this foreword for a book that encapsulates the essence of leadership in its purest form, one that extends far beyond t i t l e s , p o s i t i o n s , a n d t h e c o n fi n e s o f

organizational structure.

The Inclined Leader is a refreshing reminder that true leadership begins within. Inside this insightful book, the author takes you on a voyage of discovery and guided by principles that have the power to shape not just your leadership but your very essence. The book is an invitation to rediscover these principles, not as abstract ideals but as living truths, each offering a pathway toward personal development and growth.

The most profound truth espoused by this book is that the heart of leadership resides in self-awareness, empathy, and service. It emphasizes that leadership is a choice, not just a responsibility. It is a choice to rise, to inspire, and to leave an indelible mark on the lives of others.

The author, through a blend of profound wisdom and personal experiences, demonstrates that leadership is not about standing at the peak but rather about ascending with those around you, each step marked by compassion, integrity, and vision. The Inclined Leader reminds us that leadership is a journey, a continuous evolution, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The principles canvassed in this book are not confined to the corporate boardroom or the political turf but are equally relevant in our everyday lives. The book speaks to s t u d e n t s , t e a c h e r s , p a r e n t s , professionals and researchers. Its principles are to everyone who aspires to lead with purpose, to be the guiding light in the lives of others, and to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Throughout the book, you will discover stories of leaders who, through their inclination to serve, have transformed organizations, communities, and lives. You will encounter profound insights that challenge conventional notions of leadership and encourage you to look within for the wellspring of your leadership potential.

The Inclined Leader is more than a book; it is an invitation to a higher realm of leadership, one defined by principles that have the power to influence not just the present but the generations to come. This book will guide you to discover innate qualities of leadership within you, to rise above the ordinary, and embrace the principles that can shape a brighter future.

So, as you embark on rediscovering your hidden leadership potentials, open your heart and mind to the principles of The Inclined Leader. May you be inspired, may you be enlightened, and may you be inclined to lead in a way that brings out the best in yourself and those around you.

It is my sincere hope that the wisdom contained in this book will ignite the leader in you and empower you to create a legacy of positive change.

Warm regards,

His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Ph.D), FNSE, FNIQS

2023 Presidential Candidate & National Leader, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Abuja, Nigeria

PREFACE Unleashing the Leader Within

I

n this new globalized world, leadership stands as an indispensable force that drives progress, shapes destinies, and transforms societies. The Inclined Leader is an illuminating exploration of the essence of leadership, designed to inspire and empower individuals from all walks of life to embark on a journey of selfdiscovery and transformation.

Following the dynamic and complex society we now find ourselves; the world craves authentic leaders—individuals who can truly make a difference. Authentic leadership is not something that can be learned through a generic education process or by following a set of prescribed rules. Instead, it is about tapping into our inherent leadership potentials, which already reside within us. Leadership emerges naturally when we discover our true selves and make specific decisions to reveal our authentic selves to the world. It is the unveiling of our unique essence that allows a leader to be born.

The reality is that leadership potential cannot be counterfeited or imitated; it varies from person to person, and its genuineness shines through. Being a leader means living, working, and serving humanity authentically in our personal lives. A true leader does not strive to be something he is not, but rather embraces who he is at its core.

The Inclined Leader delves deep into the notion that leadership is not the privilege of a select few, but an inherent potential within each of us. Whether you are a seasoned executive, a budding entrepreneur, an educator, a parent, or someone seeking to make a positive impact, this book is tailored to unlock the latent leadership abilities within you.

Leadership can be both an awe-inspiring responsibility and an opportunity for profound personal growth and fulfillment. Within these pages, we explore how nurturing a growth mindset, cultivating meaningful relationships, and empowering others can become a source of boundless energy that propels our aspirations and enriches our sense of purpose.

Rather than adhering to traditional notions of leadership, this book presents a fresh perspective that embraces the complexities of the modern era. It highlights the interconnection of leadership with empathy, compassion, ethics, and mindfulness, urging readers to lead not merely with authority, but with an unwavering commitment to serving the greater good.

Through captivating anecdotes, real-life examples, and thought-provoking exercises, The Inclined Leader aims to foster self-awareness and resilience—two essential pillars for any aspiring leader. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and encourage collaboration, where every voice is heard and valued.

Challenging the traditional hierarchical leadership model, this book proposes an inclusive and participative approach that nurtures the potential of individuals, fosters creativity, and sparks innovation. It encourages leaders to embrace their vulnerability, recognizing that true strength arises from authenticity and the willingness to learn from failures.

In conclusion, The Inclined Leader beckons you to rise above the ordinary and embark on a journey of leadership excellence—one that not only enriches your life but also touches the lives of those you lead. May the wisdom shared in these pages be a guiding light as you navigate the dynamic landscape of leadership and shape a brighter, more compassionate world.

As you embark on this transformative voyage through the realms of leadership, remember that each chapter is not a mere accumulation of knowledge but an invitation to introspection and action. Embrace the insights offered with an open mind, for it is the fusion of knowledge and practice that ignites the spark of true leadership.

Remember, leadership is not about reaching a destination; it is about embracing the journey. Let us embark on this journey of self-discovery and leadership together, inspiring greatness in ourselves and others along the way.

Welcome to The Inclined Leader.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

W

e are the sum total of what we have learned from those who have directly or indirectly impacted our lives either through learning or

shared experiences.

As I reflect on the completion of this leadership book, I am deeply grateful to those who have been instrumental in its realization.

Just as it takes a village to raise a child so it takes a team to write a book of this magnitude.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their untiring support and understanding during the countless hours spent researching, writing and traveling. Your patience and encouragement have been an anchor throughout this process.

To my mentors and advisers, thank you for sharing your wisdom, guiding me with your expertise and providing reliable insights that enriched the content of this book.  Your influence has left an indelible mark both on my writing and understanding of leadership.

A special appreciation goes to my colleagues and friends who offered constructive feedback, engaged in stimulating discussions and provided a network of support. Your diverse perspectives have been invaluable in shaping the depth and breath of leadership concepts explored in this work.

I wish to extend my gratitude to the publishers and editors who believed in the vision of this book and worked

diligently to refine its presentation.

Finally, to the readers, I thank you for finding time to read this book. May the insights shared in this book contribute to your own leadership journey.

TABLE CONTENTS

Foreword ​i

Preface ​ii

Introduction iv

Chapter ​1 ​The Essence of Leadership ​1

Chapter ​2 ​Developing the Leadership

​​Mindset ​17

Chapter ​3 ​The Art of Purposeful Action ​23

Chapter ​4 ​Leadership, Law and Ethics ​53

Chapter ​5 ​Unleashing Your Potential:

​​Empowering Self Leadership ​67

Chapter ​6 ​Taking Ownership of Your

​ ​Personal Growth & Development  79

Chapter ​7 ​Effective Communication

​​Skills for Leaders ​92

Chapter ​8 ​Resolving Conflicts &

​​Navigating Difficult Conversations 106

Chapter ​9  ​Understanding and Valuing

​​Diversity & Inclusion ​116

Chapter ​10 ​The Power of Vision &

​​Purpose in Leadership ​127

Chapter ​11 ​Creating High Performing

​​& Collaborative Teams ​141

Chapter ​12  ​The Nature of Change

​​and Uncertainty ​155

Chapter ​13 ​The Impact of Great Leaders

​​on Others and The World ​179

Chapter ​14 ​Implementing Enduring

​​Learning and Development ​194

Chapter ​15 ​Reflecting on Your

​​Personal Leadership Journey ​207

INTRODUCTION

Rediscovering Your Personal Leadership

L

eadership is often misunderstood, even by those who hold positions of leadership. The concept of leadership often conjures images of powerful figures in boardrooms or high-ranking officials in political arenas. This perception can make the idea seem distant and unattainable for many, leading them to believe they are meant to follow rather than lead.

However, this response underscores the influence