It Came Without An Invitation
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Leadership is something that hangs on the shoulders of everyone. Whether we like it or not, fate has a way of bringing it up on us. I am someone who naturally doesn't like being a leader, it's not as if I don't have the qualities to say but I am often scared, ask me what I am scared of and I will tell you I don't know.
There were many times I dodged leadership, there was a time during my high school when it was obvious that I was going to be the head boy, every teacher used to say it to my face, but just when the time for the appointment was by the corner, I pressured my mother to change school for me and she did because she believes in me.
I just don't like leadership, it's not as if I am running away from responsibilities, no, if you give me any task I will do it for you but if it's attached to any form of leadership, count me out. I always feel like I'm not competent and I don't like betraying people's expectations.
I kept shying away from leadership and its responsibilities until late 2020 when my father died. Naturally, the scepter of leadership landed me being the first male child. I automatically became the head of the family.
At first, I thought I could shy away from it as usual but it was as if it was stamped, everyone in the family started consulting me before they carried out any action. I noticed that if I don't address a thing, that is how it will remain, being someone who wouldn't like the family to be shamed, I have to start legislating.
Suddenly, my siblings start coming to make financial requests and sometimes, they come to tell me about their challenges and I give them counsel based on my experience. The funniest part is even my own mother doesn't do anything without relating it to me first.
It then became obvious to me that although I am still a very small boy I am now a leader, and the responsibility of taking the family forward is on my shoulder. Something I have been running from naturally caught up with me. Leadership always comes responsibility and that's the part everyone dreads, because if you fail as a leader, your subjects are likely to fail as well.
I was not prepared for any responsibility at the moment but I had to develop a system to cope, initially, whatever I earn is just for myself but now, I have siblings and my mother on the list now. Initially, I had the liberty to live the kind of life I wanted, but now I have to be a good example for my siblings to emulate.
Back then I was following rules set by my parents but now, I am the one making the rules. So, I had to build myself and go the extra mile to become a better person so that I don't become a failure in what was handed over to me.
Taking family responsibility is not easy, but I must confess it has shaped me into a better man, if I say I regretted having an experience like this I lied. Although it sucks sometimes but I love it, I see it as my cross.
Ever since I became a father so to say, I noticed that all the fear of leading died off, the kind of courage I have now, is something I can't explain. I remember the day I had to go and represent my younger sister in school as her father, it was not a funny experience but I have to do it, if I don't who will?
Three days ago, I went and registered West African Examination Council (WAEC) for one of my sisters. I used to be a very shy person but the shyness has to die. I was surprised how I could interact boldly with the principal. Something I would never do before even if you will put a knife at my throat. Guess I am gradually adapting to the system of leadership.
Sometimes, the things we run away from thinking they are tough might not even be as difficult as we think they are, it is our fear that has been making them so big to prevent us from being who we are supposed to be.
In conclusion, all humans are born leaders, what makes us so is our different abilities, we are uniquely made, and what you know is different from what another person knows, the day the world makes demand on what you know or have, you would have to come forth and lead them on it. This is why we have to build ourselves and be ever ready for anything so that responsibilities will not catch up with us unawares.