Leadership, that characteristic that so often goes unnoticed in these times.
It occurred to me to write these lines on leadership, because things that are happening in our times, which implicitly have to do with leadership, for example:
- Russia-Ukraine (invasion) war.
- Trump's tariff war
- The Milei case and the Libra scam.
- Bitcoin and the IMF in El Salvador
- Chavismo in Venezuela
- Governance within Zcash
These are just a few cases that come to mind, where it is clear that leadership is important, VERY IMPORTANT.
- The Russia-Ukraine case.
Leadership has been key to draw the world's attention, to involve other countries, or even to use that conflict as an electoral tool. That war/invasion has made it clear that excess (or lack) of leadership has been key.
- The tariff war.
Whether we agree with Trump or not, his tariff war has been a show of leadership. He has shown his teeth to the world. But will those teeth and their bite have teeth? We don't know. Many think not, but the mere gesture of having shown them is an indisputable show of leadership. This issue has put a lot of leaders to negotiate or rethink their strategies. A clear example of leadership that moves.
- Milei and Libra.
Milei's controversial leadership is another example of the use (or disuse) of this tool. Milei has disassociated himself from all responsibility, and has blamed others, not himself. A leadership that shirks responsibility? Bad gesture!
- El Salvador, Bitcoin and the IMF.
To talk about El Salvador is to talk about Bukele and everything he has done (or failed to do) in his country. The truth is that while Bukele's leadership has been tough on crime, it has been very soft on the IMF. An example that leadership has levels, and there are hierarchies. In the case of Bukele and his country, we already know who is in charge. And it is not exactly Bitcoin.
- Chavismo in Venezuela.
A living example of negative leadership. Chavez's negative influence in the region has been evident, plunging many Latin American countries into controversial presidential regimes, influenced by Chavez's money (ill-gotten, by the way). An example of pretend leadership. An empty leadership, full of rhetoric and money.
- Zcash governance.
In this section I must say that the panorama is complex, but encouraging, because a scenario is emerging, a future in which leadership will be more horizontal, less vertical, and more accessible to all. But this entails challenges, even more so when there are cultural, language and customs barriers. It is difficult to leave old habits behind, and Zcash will face a series of changes in 2025, if the will is there. What is certain is that now more than ever within Zcash we need inspirational leadership that motivates, informs, teaches, and demonstrates good leadership. I am an optimist and I believe we will see it - we are already seeing it!
If there is one thing I have learned during my 25 years as an employee in various retail and mass consumption companies, it is that leadership is learned and perfected. It is not something you are born with. If you try to force leadership when you lack it, the results can be disastrous. Far from uniting and building, the opposite can be achieved.
The good news is that yes, leadership can be learned, but there must be a WILL to do it. Without a willingness to learn good leadership (because there is also bad leadership) no team motivation speech or message of achievements is worth anything. When there is bad leadership, teams suffer.
After all, what is leadership?
It is nothing more than the ability of some people to motivate others to achieve a common goal.
Leadership is a powerful tool!