Thursday, September 20 2012

IN the United States women hold only 10.4 percent of the board seats and highest-paid executive officer positions. That’s one woman for every nine men in the top leadership roles at 400 high-profile public companies.

History has shown that in Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the Caribbean 100 percent of these leaders whether in business or politics were men. However, as these countries evolve women are taking up the mantle and securing their positions as leaders. Whether a leader is a man or a woman he/she should be effective in terms of guiding persons to achieve targeted goals and objectives.

Leadership is one of the most highly discussed topics around the World and in particular Trinidad and Tobago and as the National Organisation for Employers the Employers Consultative Association (ECA) has seen it fit to address this topic.

The ECA has been looking at leadership for some time now and the question of its importance always arises. To the ECA there is no nobler goal than to lead persons to excellence, fulfillment and collective achievement.

A simple definition of leadership is that it is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal or leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organisation in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. A leader should have the influence and the ability to create a sense of resonance in the workplace in order to achieve targeted goals and objectives. Leaders usually find themselves working vigorously at developing their teams’ self and social awareness and also self and relationship management, which are the key factors in business productivity.

The ECA believes that societies need leaders who evoke strong emotions and inspire persons through their positive interactions. It is known that a leader’s stress emanates from the daily management of crises and decision-making which includes vision and sacrifice.

The quality of leadership is always under question as not many appreciate its complexity.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, CEO’s and directors hold the success of their companies in their hands as not just the organisation will be affected but also the employees and their dependants. Employees depend on a leader’s judgment and strategic direction not just to earn a living in terms of caring for their families but also to achieve dreams and goals.

For many years Trinidad and Tobago had looked externally to acknowledge leaders who had won admiration from their peers or persons who had attained godlike status in business and spirituality rather than looking internally to commend the ones that we are privileged to have. Persons continue to exemplify Trinibagoians who have first won international acclaim importing a culture of excellence that do not always fit into our way of life.This year our nation celebrated 50 years of independence and we celebrated a number of leaders in Trinidad and Tobago, ranging from organisational to societal who have shaped and left a significant mark in their respective fields.

To reiterate, effective leadership is one of the most important components for a successful company and by extension nation. The ability to lead, direct and motivate persons in an organisation to excellence is critical to achieving cohesiveness and coherence. Leaders are not born but are made.

The ECA believes that for a sustainable economy achieving constant growth starts with proper leadership and to widen your horizon and knowledge capacity you are invited to attend our Leadership Lecture Series No. Four which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday October 5, 2012.

For further information please contact our office at 675-5873