What is Fledism Leadership Philosophy?
Introduction
The first rule to establishing any new idea or concept is to define it. Definitions provide boundaries of knowledge and establish basis for interrogating any concept, leading to its understanding, and making room for its application in the real world. Any idea or concept that cannot find practical application to deal with the condition of human society is not worth considering.
Definition of Fledism
Fledism is a philosophical school of thought which teaches that “The primary purpose of public leadership is to enhance the quality of human life, and everything else must revolve around this”.
Fledism is a new leadership philosophy that emphasizes personal responsibility, integrity, fairness, and justice to drive positive transformation and collective impact.
Fledism as a philosophical school of thought, prioritizes enhancing human life quality through leadership. This definition means Fledism:
- Puts people at the forefront – leadership is about people- enhancing their lives is the prime purpose of leadership engagement.
- Emphasizes positive impact – impact is a universal currency. Anyone within any particularly leadership influence can see, feel and confirm the impact of leadership on them. Impact is not usually explained or propagated; it is experienced and affirmed by the recipient
- Guides decision-making and actions – When considering any issue and taking decisions, full consideration must be given to how it will impact on majority of the people, particularly the easily vulnerable to make possible the protection of their dignity of life.
Essentially, Fledism is a human-centred leadership philosophy; aptly termed, a human-centric or people-centric leadership philosophy. Fledsim differs from other leadership philosophies which are mainly leader-centric.
Implications of the Definition
In all renowned leadership philosophies and practices, full attention is the person of the leader; how he thinks, behaves and acts. Whether he is charismatic, visionary; a person of character, integrity; whether he is accountable, humble, accommodative, inspirational. Whether he is a servant-leader and transformational in leadership practice. While these attributes and characteristics have been used to associate and measure the effectiveness of leaders as taught in all leadership schools, Fledism seeks to shift the focus from these attributes and characteristics of the leader to the very essence of leadership itself – people. Impact on people’s lives is what determines leadership effectiveness.
Fledism posits that no matter how visionary, charismatic, accountable, accommodative and inspirational a leader demonstrates, the real measure of leadership is the impact it has on the people. The level at which a leader elevates the quality of life of the people, is what truly matters, not particularly to what extent the leader is charismatic, visionary, accountable or served with humility. Visionary leadership must serve the supreme purpose of uplifting human dignity.
The term ‘Fledism‘, as a philosophical concept, was first enunciated by Joseph Chinenyeze Ibekwe, a Nigerian-born journalist, author, and leadership educator.
It draws from over 30 years of study, research, exploration, and teaching of leadership; and through observing how public leadership impacts on the quality of human life in organizations, communities, and nations.
The term is derived from an acronym FLED, which stands for Foundation for Leadership & Education Development, a social enterprise organization.
Fledism does not cancel the importance of vision, charisma, character, accountability, or integrity as requisite for effective leadership. Instead, Fledism elevates and brings them to essence.
Fundamentals of Fledism include:
- Human-Centered Approach: Prioritizing human well-being, needs, and growth.
- Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and caring for others’ experiences and emotions.
- Community Focus: Building strong, supportive communities.
- Collaborative Leadership: Working together, sharing power, and empowering others.
- Holistic Thinking: Considering the broader impact of decisions on individuals and communities.
Fledism is positioned as the leadership philosophy to guide leadership practice in the 21st century and beyond.
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