The focus of this article is to shed some light into the leadership of Maldives government institutions – how the leaders perform, their target goals and visions and the charisma they bring to the table.
What is the current context?
Every 5 years the tenure of all government institutions – including government agencies, government institutions, government companies and the Ministries – is reset making new way for new management. During this transition, the top management, including Chief Operating Officer (CEO) or Managing Director (MD), Board Members, Chairman and top executive team, are reshuffled. Meanwhile, middle management and subordinates are left without clear direction.
One leader may introduce a strategic plan – perhaps 5-to-10-year roadmap aimed at improving organization productivity – only for the next leader to discard it entirely and implement a new one. As a result, employees are left in a growing state of confusion.
In Maldives, the leaders are elected by the president, who selects candidates based on political influence. As a result, individuals may be promoted to a leadership role without possessing essential managerial skills, team management abilities, governance expertise, decision making capabilities, conflict resolution skills, or the drive necessary to lead.
Once a politically appointed individual takes charge of an organization, they often restructure it according to personal preference. While this maybe not an issue if goals and targets are met, the lack of managerial experience frequently leads to organization dysfunction, reduced productivity, and inefficiency. Ultimately, they drive the organization to a dead end.
On the contrary, the middle management is left in chaos. They serve as a bridge between subordinates and the top management, yet they are often demotivated. It becomes a burden for them to constantly explain and justify decision made by the leadership. This frustration leads to high turnover, particularly among Gen Z employees, who are unwilling to invest their life into something meaningless.
Due to personal obligations, most of the middle managers and subordinates are forced to endure the corporate mismanagement. Their salaries support their families, and they have dedicated their entire careers to the organization. As a result, making a drastic change becomes incredibly difficult.
What does a true leader do?
A true leader possesses a unique aura. Their charisma doesn’t ‘force’ employees to follow the rules. Instead, employees willingly comply even when they have a choice not to do so. They are united by a shared vision.
On the first day, a true leader will evaluate the organization current context, scenarios and performance. By analyzing the situation, they gather data to make informed decision. They then develop a vision-driven plan – outlining how the organization will evolve over the next 10 – 15 years, or at the very least, at least, during their five-year tenure.
Once the ground work is laid, implementation begins. However, managing a team is an immense challenge. Leading, motivating and providing necessary resources is not an easy task, as obstacle arise every step.
Every organization face challenges – that is the nature of business environment. An efficient leader will know how to maneuver through the challenges and find success. Moreover, they have the capability to develop future leaders through guidance, vision, charisma, and determination. People are eager to learn from them, viewing as a role model, both within and beyond organization.
On the contrary, a leader may not be able to achieve all the goals, due to unpredictability of the business environment. However, they will surely leave a positive impact on his managers and subordinates. The leader will leave a significant footstep in the organization that will be remembered for years. People will recall how a true leader left a legacy behind.
Why it is so hard to follow?
Worldly pleasures, ego and attitude play a significant role in the characteristics of a leader. It has become extremely difficult for a leader to keep a constant focus on their goals. While in power, the perks and benefits are non-stop and the pleasures are easily accessible. So why would any leader perform well? They are only there for a maximum of 5 years – why go through the hustle and tussle? Why not enjoy the time and leave peacefully? This is the common mindset of leaders in Maldives.
In addition, there are leaders who have invested their life in industries, with years of experience, and a deep understanding of organization’s critical issues. Yet, they do nothing. Punching in and out like a lifeless entity. And with regards to Maldives, a population highly active on social media, have enough time to berate these leaders. Wherever they go, the news follows, and the comment section is bombarded with hatred.
Being a 100% Muslim country, we have to believe that our action will be held accountable against us on the day of judgement. We have a responsibility over others. We are given a chance to do right.
Leave a Reply