When I think of moments when I’ve experienced true leadership - the kind that strikes you as though you’ve seen an artist at work - several faces come to mind: my grandfather, a community activist, a Haida elder. I have witnessed leadership displayed in very different ways, and I have learned that specific situations call for a specific leadership style.
A few years ago, while living in Zambia, I met Mr. Noah Hamapa. Mr. Hamapa was a tall, gentle middle aged man and father of 9 children. His family took me in as their own while I lived in their community, feeding me, showing me how to wash my clothes by hand, and teaching me about life in their country. Mr. Hamapa was a well respected man, not because of wealth, but because he was calm and wise. Often you could find people from the church at his house, looking for advice. One story that stands out for me when asked about a time when I’ve experienced leadership, involves Mr. Hamapa and his best friend Mr. Mbewe.
The two men saw each other almost every day. Mr. Mbewe was treated like he was a part of the family. They had known each other for years, and their children and wives were also close friends. Neither family had very much money, but each would offer support when the other was in need. That’s why, when Mr. Hamapa realized that Mr. Mbewe had stolen money from him one day, people were shocked. Mr. Hamapa had an entire household to feed, and couldn’t afford to have money taken from him. But, instead of accusing his friend and demanding his money back, Mr. Hamapa stayed quiet. He sat his family down and explained to them why they would be short on money that week, but they never saw a change in his attitude toward his old friend. When one of his children asked him about this, Mr. Hamapa told him, “No amount of anger from me could match the shame that Mr. Mbewe feels. He had his reasons for doing what he did, and I have faith in his character”. I couldn’t believe his response. I realized that I had just witnessed a leader choosing to exercise compassion and faith and acting as a model for his family.
I think the main reason that this story stayed with me is that I feel a leader often has to make difficult decisions they feel are right – regardless of other’s reactions to them.
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Jenn Dysart is an alumni of the 2009 21 Leaders program
