Princess Calista Anene, an expert in Human Behavioural Therapy and an apostle for good governance, advised political leaders in Imo State and Nigeria at large not to underrate the loyalty of their subordinates in their mission and vision of achieving sustainable good, purposeful and people oriented governance
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Having identified good governance and effective representations as the essence of democracy, Princess Calista Anene has passionately advised political leaders in Imo State and Nigeria at large not to underate the loyalty of their subordinates in their mission and vision of achieving sustainable good, purposeful and people oriented governance.
Anene who’s expert in Human Behavioural Therapy and an apostle for good governance said this during zoom meeting she held with some political leaders in Oguta Council Area of Imo State.
According to her “Loyalty might be one of the most elusive concepts to grasp—for Government , leaders, and supporters . It’s one of those things that is obvious when it exists, crystal clear when it doesn’t, and sadly, nearly impossible to pinpoint when it lands somewhere in the gray area. Ironically, that’s where most people fall—70% in the gray”.
She pointed out that though Loyalty takes time. It would be necessary for every supporter or aide to immediately became loyal to the political leader’s vision and mission in governance even when it seems unrealistic even though it takes time to build trust.
The political Amazon who hails from Oguta Ameshi council area observed that as leaders, “it’s important to understand that every supporter who identified with you comes with different experiences ,purpose and wants ,some good, and some bad. It’s your duty as a political leader to instigate loyalty and trust to them first. Show them how you’ll help them achieve their best, grow and become independent. Show them that they can trust you and that you will support them. Certainly, loyalty will come with time” she assured.
Anene who has been aspiring since 2015 to represent Oguta State Constituency in Imo State House of Assembly informed that it’s important for a political leader to understand when and where to draw a battle line.
She advised that “If you suspect actual wrong-doing by a supporter or aide, that’s one issue. But, if you as a political leader think the individual is either frustrated or has unwavering interest for a new position somewhere else, it’s your duty to show them how much you appreciate them, reassuring them your support and helping them becoming their best.
“This isn’t time to point accusing fingers, playing blame games or listening to gossips.Take it upon yourself to be the best leader you can be to this person and people” she advised.
Anene who’s also Senior Special Adviser, SSA to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Humanitarian Services and Social Development further said that “just because the sides or supporters leave, doesn’t at all mean they’re disloyal. Sometimes people left because a new opportunity arises that is too good to pass up. And, sometimes there is nothing you feel you can do about it. But, there is something you can indeed do. You can still support them. You can applaud their decisions, wish them well, tell them the door is always open if they choose to return.
“This is difficult for many leaders because of self interest coupled with emotions could be high. But, if a supporter is really good and dedicated , it’s critical to change their perspective if they’re leaving because they no longer like or believe in the leadership or they are leaving because their interest is no longer protected and guaranteed.
“They can equally be leaving because they feel their services are no longer needed or just to get a better offer, accessibility, recognition and acceptance somewhere else, and hopefully someday they’ll return. However, if you’re good to them when they leave, they’ll most likely become evangelists and ambassadors for you” she assured.
She reemphasized some factors that may trigger off disloyalty to include an action or inaction of a supporter or an aide and a personal slump such as not getting along with other personal aides very close to the boss .
To her, she feels that as a political leader, “it’s your job to ask two simple questions if you feel a supporter or aide doesn’t have the same spark for their job and position . Access and communication is extremely important , the first is, Is everything okay? . The second is, how can I help you?. Then Listening and coming up with a positive solution to make amends because as a team political leader you need a united team to achieve a positive result of the goal” she insisted.
The political strategist further informed that a good political leader, can always control the loyalties of his or her subordinates by trying to know ,understand his or her supporters strength,try fixing unsuccessfully behaviours and trusting their ability to deliver assignments without supervision.
Another issue she said, is to focus on what you can do to bring the best out of supporters or aides. “If it’s not working, keep focusing on what you could do differently. It may not always work. But, in my experiences, owning your role in any situation in life usually provides insight into unforeseen solutions.
“Lastly, Like I said earlier, Loyalty is elusive. It comes ,stays and goes at unexpected times. It often happens when you least expect it. And, it sadly can disappear in an instant. Of course,I may not be an expert on the subject of loyalty. But, I can tell you this: when you find true loyalty, do everything you can to hold on to it. Appreciate it. Recognize it. Reward it . Reciprocate to retain it” she passionately advised.
