Acting on sermons... By Parvez
20 March, 2013
There is a clear distinction between set, standard and stereotypical leadership and one that leads by example and sets trends for the people to emulate and be motivated by. If those able, noble, humble and gentle looking or talking leaders practice all the good they depict or advocate, they would be what the nation so desperately looks for as trendsetters in national affairs. Whether it is the man on the street, men of letters or men at the helm of affairs, a crisis in leadership is unquestionably such a predicament that deals a severe blow to our social, economic and political stability. How vital are the qualities of trust, tolerance, understanding, simple living and high thinking? Positive thinking in matters pertaining to education, social work, business, politics, science and technology, materialising civic sense, social responsibility and pioneering the spirit of accommodation are what make leaders worth following. The common man looks towards leaders as trendsetters when it comes to seeking answers, guidance or consolation in matters affecting life at large. People look beyond sermons and speeches for simple and workable suggestions and solutions. If leaders set trends in economising, austerity, humility and sincerity, the masses will follow sooner or later. It is the conscious or subconscious habit of the masses to emulate, exemplify and emanate ideas, insights and initiatives from its leadership. It depends on the trends leaders set in simplicity or pageantry, tolerance or intolerance, understanding or misunderstanding, cooperation or confrontation, honesty or corruption, innovation or stagnation, progress or procrastination, positive or negative thinking, education or ignorance. Not caring about this is tantamount to ignorance as bliss. Knowingly ignoring this responsibility is, unfortunately, our national tragedy. It is this conspiracy of silence that needs to be unearthed and addressed. PARVEZ JAMIL
Karachi
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