Feature: The Heart of Leadership

By Timothy A. Edward

This week, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded several prestigious prizes across different categories. The Nobel Peace Prize was given to Maria Corina Machado for her tireless work in promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela. Her recognition reminds us that leadership is not just about titles or positions – it is about service, influence, and the ability to inspire change. Leadership, at its core, is about people. It is about how we treat them, how we guide them, and how we build a culture that allows them to thrive.

The Joy and Challenge of Leading

If you ask leaders what they enjoy most about their role, many will say it is leading people. It is also the hardest part. People want to feel they belong - to a company, a movement, or a story that is being created. For example, a team member in a start-up may feel more motivated when they know their ideas shape the future of the product. Leaders must help people see that they are part of something meaningful.

Leadership Is Not About Fixing Everything Alone

Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about working together to find solutions and creating an environment where those solutions can be implemented. Think of a school principal who does not solve every issue alone but brings teachers, parents and even students together to find better ways to support the studying environment. That is leadership - collaborative and empowering.

The Invisible Force That Shapes Teams

Culture begins with how people feel and how they interact. It is the tone of conversations, the respect shown in meetings, and the way feedback is given. Leaders are always shaping culture, whether they realise it or not. Ask yourself: What kind of culture am I creating? Do my team members feel empowered or overlooked? For instance, a manager who regularly checks in with their team and listens to concerns is fostering a culture of care and respect.

Pressure vs. Expectation

When results do not show, leaders often respond by increasing pressure - more meetings, more reports, more demands. But true leadership sets a culture of expectation and faith. It is about cultivating creativity and anticipation. Imagine a coach who, instead of yelling at players after a loss, encourages them to reflect and improve. That is how leaders build resilience and innovation.

Valuing What Truly Matters

Making people feel valued is one of the most important things a leader can do. It is about honouring what God values - family, people, and relationships. A CEO who celebrates birthdays, acknowledges personal milestones, and supports work-life balance is showing that people matter beyond their productivity.

Daily Practice Makes a Leader

Leadership is not a one-time act. It is a daily practice. Coaching others, mentoring teammates, and living out these principles consistently opens more doors to lead. Whether you are guiding a small group or a large organisation, the way you lead today shapes the opportunities of tomorrow.

Leadership is a journey of influence, not control. It is about building a culture where people feel seen, heard, and valued. It is about guiding others with faith, fostering creativity, and making space for growth. As we celebrate leaders like Maria Corina Machado, let us also reflect on our own leadership - how we treat people, how we build culture, and how we make others feel. That is the true heart of leadership.