Leading effectively: Leadership Lessons from the Qur’aan Yussuf Ayami January 19 th and 18 th, 2015

Introduction The Qur’aan as a guide (Qur’aan 2:2) and leadership Role of leadership in a community Consequences of poor leadership

Definition of Leader (ship) Varied definitions Leader: – “A person who influences a group of people towards the achievement of a goal”. – “One who is in charge or in command of others” – “ A person who leads a group, … an organization, etc. Leadership: – “A process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. Wikipedia – “Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal”. Forbes – “…to guide people to cooperate efficiently and effectively as a team to inspire their loyalty and to empower them to make a meaningful contribution to the realization of objectives”.

Types of Leaders Thought Leaders: Attract followers and initiate change by the power of their ideas (Steve Jobs) Courageous Leaders: Pursue a vision in the face of considerable opposition and risks (Mandela)

Types of Leaders (Cont…) Inspirational Leaders: Influence their followers through the power of their passionate commitment to ideas and ideals (Martin Luther King) Servant Leaders: Care deeply about people

Summary Successful leaders come in different shapes and size. All leaders want to change status quo. The how varies; ideas, inspiring change, courageous behavior and demonstrating service

Leadership Lessons from the Qur’aan The story of Dhul’ Qar’nain Firstly Leadership is God given (18:83) cf (3:26) as a responsibility (38:26) Secondly Leadership is a responsibility to promote social justice (18:86-88)*, allow self expression (18:90-91) and promote good welfare (18:93-97)

Cont… Thirdly because it is God given, everything is for/from Him (18:87,95 and 98)

Leadership Skills Reward to encourage and Sanction to deter (18:87,88) - Motivation skills; Ability to unite the team (18:87,88) Patience…sometimes you need to let go (18:91) – Delegation skills; Selflessness (18:95)

Leadership Skills (Cont…) Participation (18:95) – Communication/Delegation skills; Resource Mobilization skills (18:96); Ability to educate subordinates (Apprenticeship) (18:96) Visionary (18:87 and 18:98) – Insight skills;