The 5G Leader – Five timeless principles of leadership

“5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.” - Qualcomm.com

Although the 5G concept is a new kind of mobile network technology that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together; the 5G leadership concept is only about connecting everyone together (unity).

It connects people from past generations, current, and future generations for the betterment of the society and the world at large through influence. In essence, leadership is a team sport that never dies.

Looking back in time, which great leader(s) do you consider as most respected, charismatic and powerful; whose influence is still relevant today and will probably be so in generations to come? 

I personally consider these immortals as 5G leaders because they possess the following five leadership principles or qualities that stand the test of time.

1.    Grounded

“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” - Confucius

Once upon a time, a horse rider came across few soldiers who were struggling to move a heavy log of wood without success. The corporal was standing by, just watching as the men struggled.

This man, who just stood there watching while others labored, puzzled the rider. He finally asked the corporal why he was not helping others. “I am the corporal. I give orders.” That was his reply.

The rider said nothing in response. Instead, he dismounted his horse. He went up and stood by the soldiers and as they tried to lift the wood and he helped them. With his help, the task was finally able finished.

Who was this kind rider? You may ask. His name was George Washington – the Commander-in-Chief

He then quietly mounted his horse, went to the corporal, and said, “The next time your men need help, send for the commander-in-chief.”

In case you don’t know, George Washington was the first president of the United States of America.

2.    Growth

“If you are not growing, you are dying.” – David Molapo

Malcolm X is one the most influential leaders and civil rights activists in the history of the United States of America. While still a young man, a white supremacist group killed his father and he decided dropped out of school and later became involved in criminal activities that landed him in jail.

Malcom X only passed seventh grade in school but educated himself in prison libraries through books. He could not read nor write but taught him how to, while in prison.

In his Autobiography, he says, “I saw that the best thing I could do was get hold of a dictionary – to study, to learn some words. I was lucky enough to reason also that I should try to improve my penmanship. It was sad. I couldn’t even write in a straight line.”

He further asserts, “Many who today hear me somewhere in person, or on television, or those who read something I’ve said, will think I went to school far beyond eight grade. This impression is due to my prison studies.”

Reading books is a superpower that enable great leaders to remain respected and influential for decades after their death. On the other hand, leaders who do not learn and grow through books will soon find themselves as followers for people they used to lead.

3.    Grit

“Grit is perseverance and passion in the pursuit of long term goals.” – Angela Duckworth

In 1995, J.K Rowling was a divorced single mother and suffering from depression. She was, at some point in her life, so poor that she depended on welfare for sustenance.

Because of her passion for writing, she persevered and overcame twelve rejections from Bloomsbury London publishers for the first of her seven Harry Potter book series.

In June of 1997, her first book titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was eventually published and it open doors of success for her subsequent books too.

By the year 2020, she sold over 500 million Harry Potter Books worldwide and became the first billionaire author.  

Rejections and obstacles are inevitable in positions of leadership. Persistence, long-term thinking (vision) and love for one’s people and service (passion), is what separate 5G leaders from ordinary leaders.

4.    Gracious

“Gracious people are kind and their behavior is characterized by tact.” – Arthur Dobrin D.S.W

Grace is generosity in giving. The 21 days’ extended period granted to vehicle owners after their license disc has expired is called a grace period. The leaders who do not give but take instead, produce nothing but misery, chaos and division in the organizations or countries they are leading.

According to Arthur Dobrin D.S.W, In Judaism, grace is the spontaneous gift of affection, mercy, and compassion. Gracious leaders lead with their hearts, and their leadership style is guided by tactful deeds and considerate words. The 5G leaders are the epitome of Love and empathy through which all acts of grace emerges.

5.    Gratitude

“Gratitude increases our leadership effectiveness as it drives out fear and blame, gives meaning and confidence to all, and boosts productivity.” – Leadershipnow.com

Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton published recently a book titled “Leading with Gratitude: Eight Leadership Practices for Extraordinary Business Results.

According to the authors, when the leadership gave thousands of managers training in expressing gratitude to their employees, the company saw record increase in revenue.

In addition, new research shows that gratitude boosts employee engagement, reduces turnover, and leads team members to express more gratitude to one another – strengthening team bond in the process.

Other studies have also shown that gratitude is beneficial for those expressing it and is one of the most powerful variables in predicting a person’s overall well-being – above money, health, and optimism.