By Abike Sanusi
Visiting Fellow at the University of Navarra and a former National Director of the South Africa Institute of International Affairs (1994–2005), Dr Dreg Mills has stressed the need for transformational leadership to drive Africa’s progress.
The don delivered a lecture at the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI).
Joined by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Founder and Chairman of OOLI’s Governing Board, and an audience of senior executives from Africa and Europe, Dr. Mills outlined the urgent need for transformational leadership to drive Africa’s progress.
During his presentation, Dr. Mills drew on insights from his book “The Essence of Success” and other publications to demonstrate how leadership traits from sport, business, media, and politics intersect. He stressed that transformational leadership is inextricably linked to governance and political environments, adding that being an effective manager does not guarantee visionary leadership.
“Leaders must motivate teams, articulate a clear vision, pursue bold policies, and resist distractions of power or popularity.
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“True leaders distinguish between tactical and strategic actions. “At one moment, they are passionate, prepared, and patient; in the next, they demonstrate conviction, courage, communication, and compassion through their vision and energy,” Dr Mills said.
Dr. Mills highlighted four “threads of success” every leader must weave into their approach including consistency in core leadership qualities, a relentless pursuit of excellence, the ability to envision, plan, and communicate effectively,and recognising the difference between being good and being great.
He urged African leaders to study both the triumphs and failures of other continents, adapt best practices, and avoid repeating historical mistakes.
Founder and Chairman of OOLI’s Governing Board, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said African countries stand the chance to benefit from quality transformational leadership, noting that it needs leaders who are committed to the infrastructural, human and capital development of the continent.