By Manel Hamdi
A common definition of leadership states that it is ‘the process through which leaders influence the attitudes, behaviours and values of others.’ However, the concept of leadership is still vague, as there is no definitive model of how a leader should be. In other words, the definition does not really explain how leaders conduct the process of influencing. However, many came to the conclusion that there are basic qualities a leader should possess.First, ‘vision’, which mean to be able to see the ‘big picture’ before anyone else. This certainty and focus can provide stability at workplace. Second, ‘trust and communication’, which basically tell us that leaders must be good listeners. Finally, ‘passion and motivation’ which mean that leaders are passionate and this passion would eventually make others eager to participate. Leaders empower staff to be leaders themselves.
So what makes a person want to follow a leader? People want to be guided by leaders they respect and who have a clear sense of direction. To gain respect, they must be ethical. A sense of direction is achieved by conveying a strong vision of the future. In this context, the AIC held a three days training sessions (2nd, 3rdand 4th May 2014) on leadership skills in the governorate of Jendouba where they gave the key qualities of a leader and explained the significance of leadership in society to help in the democratic transition in the country.The training sessions on leadership skills are part of the TOT cycle launched on May 2014, as a final chapter of ‘Tune in Tunisia program.’ T-I-T is a program that aims at increasing civic involvement, increasing citizen understanding of human rights/civic responsibilities and fostering a culture of social entrepreneurship. The training was led by Zouhair Azouzi, a civic education teacher and social activist and coordinated by Mariem Maaroufi and Walid Tarkhani who is one of the leaders of the second version of Tune in Tunisia project (2.0) that was launched by AIC in 2012.
Other trainings on different subjects such as financial education, social entrepreneurship and elections monitoring will take place in the future.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of American Islamic Congress or any employee thereof.
Tune in Tunisia is a MEPI supported project.
