lEAdERShIP UNdER UNcERTAINTYnot have real competitive advantages, not only of our nations, but also
of our people, who lack or are behind the skills, knowledge, educational
level, the technology-based industry, or the infrastructure that is needed
to reach the level of real development that all nations need to grow and
prosper, and set its people towards a higher standard of living.
These are the conditions under which leadership in this part of the world
has to adapt to as we live in a certain uncertainty. We are regular people,
living and performing under these conditions; going out to work daily
because we also want to see and make a real change in our societies; but
we have to start at the basics, with our families, at our schools, and in
our jobs. We are the ones that have to manage these day-to-day issues,
being the heroes of our daily lives, and in that way, becoming the real
and true leaders of our societies.
Yes, we have seen these leaders of the uncertainty, as I call them. They
are the leaders that help the poor in the slums of the cities or in the
jungle; that defend the human rights of those less fortunate; that push
our communities further to look for a brighter future; or who want po-
litical or economic change for our countries. We become the leaders of
our day-to-day lives when we decide to guide our sons and daughters,
the students in our classes or our coworkers, day after day under these
changing and difficult situations. Truly, we are leaders in our own way.
These leaders have strong qualities and values, with an optimist’s
approach to life. These leaders have the characteristics of a strong
performer, always working under pressure, having to demonstrate
a sense of urgency. Even in an uncertain world, they would show most
of the regular characteristics of the leader, but would also show other
exceptional characteristics that flourish when needed to perform under
the reality of uncertainty. Here I give you what I believe are the 10
characteristics of the leader in uncertain times, but approached from a
different perspective:
- Commitment: The leader has a commitment to his people,
co-workers and the ones who follow him in order to contin-
uously demonstrate that he is there with them in their own
terrain. He shows responsibility above all. - Understanding: A leader is capable and needs to listen, watch
and understand all changing and uncertain circumstances, even