Core values

What is the essence of leadership? Integrity. It’s as simple as that. I have read so many books on leadership written by both female and male authors, and their dissertation all boils down to one basic ingredient of leadership – integrity.

The past many weeks, we have been bombarded with attacks and counterattacks, offense and defense, call it whatever you want, on television, print and radio, by either the opposition or administration camp, and all because of a recorded conversation between two persons.

I do not wish to explore the issue. It’s an overkill, to say the least. What I care about is the integrity of the leader, the first person referred to in the recording.

Why it took the leader so long to admit that she was the first person referred to in the recording is beyond me. Perhaps lack of courage. Perhaps waiting for the opportune time – after all, timing is everything. Perhaps waiting for the right public relations spin.   Whatever maybe the reason, it is moot and academic now. Everything is in the open. In fact, it’s like a market place now. It’s a circus. It’s very lamentable.

The leader has apologized to the country. It must have been an excruciatingly painful moment to admit one’s mistake after having been silent for a time. After the public apology, the circus has expanded.

Integrity cannot be compromised. When one occupies the highest position of the land, there are certain core values one has to uphold. A close friend of mine who occupies a position of leadership himself says, “all elections are dirty”; “all politicians do dirty tricks”; “is there a better substitute?”; “what we can do now is unite, support and contribute for the welfare of the country”; “the Filipinos are not politically mature as a people”, etc... I remember saying, “is that an excuse for us to condone lying and compromising integrity?”

I know that elections are perceived to be dirty in this country; all the more the lot of politicians, which is really unfair given the fact that there are many good women and men in politics, but maybe this is the beginning of maturity. Who knows? If we must walk on our bended knees to grow as a people, so be it. There is always a reason for everything. The good book says that. And I do not believe that we lack for good people to lead this country. That’s totally unacceptable. It’s a slap on the face of the Filipino.

I always respect righteous indignation. This comes out when deception is uncovered or a wrong is exposed. Naturally, people get angry when they are taken for a ride.

Time and again, we have always been asked to unite, support and contribute for the welfare of the country. I have heard this appeal since I was a kid. That’s why most of my professional life is devoted to government service because I want to contribute to society. But that is no excuse for compromising the truth.

John Maxwell, an author specializing on Leadership books, puts it bluntly, “it’s lonely up there”. True, it’s lonely to occupy a position of leadership for you are viewed from a magnifying lens, and everything you do or not do, will be interpreted differently by different people. Most of the time, you are alone. That’s how lonely it can get. But that is part and parcel of the sacrifice if one aspires a position of leadership. One will not become a leader if he or she does not aspire it. You have it because you aspired for it. It’s as simple as that.

That’s why it is essential to be surrounded by good men and women with impeccable character to consult with; supported by a group that consistently prays for the leader to be guided by wisdom and discernment when decisions are made on issues that affect the country and its people.

It’s not easy to be a leader. It can break one’s heart. It is a big sacrifice. But no matter how gargantuan the sacrifice is, there is still no compromise on integrity.

Note: This article was originally written by the author in 2005 for her newspaper column.

Philippine elections: Choose upright leaders

The Philippine Flag

Elections are just around the bend. I pray that we Filipinos rise from our bad habits and elect rightful leaders. It is sad when we elect our leaders and then criticize them afterwards. We elect them, we stand by our decision. They commit something grievous we speak out, we press for an explanation, or bite our tongues and wait for the next elections to make sure these leaders will not win anymore. We cannot continue blaming our leaders for our bad choices. We have bad leaders, we made bad choices. It’s as simple as that. It’s not rocket science.

The sad thing is politicians belong to a party. Most times, individually they can no longer manifest their personal convictions because the party thinks otherwise. Sad but true. Politicians serve the party leadership, as well. There are dynamics. They cannot just deviate from party norms. If and when they do, they could stand the chance of being junked from the party.

So it really is up to us. Politicians come and go, well, they don’t literally go because of dynastic politics, but the electorate remains.

It is within our power to choose upright leaders, leaders with convictions, leaders who can keep their characters intact amidst political schemes and intrigues, and leaders who can rise above patronage politics. I know it’s a tough act. These ideals are very high but should we not impose the highest standards on our politicians? We must because we give them the mandate. A mandate is very sacred; given in trust. If it is given in trust, then it’s serious business. If it’s serious business then it’s time we take our elections seriously. No buts; no ifs.

If you love your country, and I assume you do, elect upright leaders.

The green rally

What is it with colors? Well, for one, colors bring life. They connote diversity. They are powerful symbols. And these powerful symbols are most felt during elections. Hmm makes me wonder what color to use when I launch my political bid. Perhaps fuchsia pink? Haha. Dream on.

As promised, last night I attended another political rally. I did not stay long. I just wanted to feel the pulse and take my shots. For starters, the rally was organized. The stage was well set up, complete with the perks of technology. I must say this group is tech-savvy. I like what I saw.

         

Pundok Panaghiusa rally in Booy, Tagbilaran City

The stage was all green including the people sitting there. Some groups maybe green with envy? Talk about colors huh! I listened to about three short speeches. I did not see any performer yet. Maybe it was saved for the middle part of the program.

In an effective communication plan that communicators call a CommPlan, a political rally which is usually held outdoor is a very powerful strategy. It should be a product of careful planning, preparation, and organizing before the actual execution. One cannot be haphazard and just use the lame excuse: “It’s only a rally anyway.” A rally is a powerful symbol. You organize and manage a political rally admirably and people will see you mean business. 

Like I said, political rallies are a form of outdoor marketing. You want to promote your product, package your rallies professionally. 

          

Rallies, Philippine style

I have always been fascinated by political rallies. I think it’s a product of my real life experience when I spoke during rallies and stood on many a stage to campaign for my late father who ran for provincial board member then. It seems only yesterday when I was hopping from one stage to another as we were doing the campaign sorties all over Bohol back in the late eighties. I relocated to General Santos City and I still attended rallies from time to time.

LP rally at the Tagbilaran City Plaza

Well, I relived the experience last night. I attended a rally. I did not expect surprises there. I only expected speeches from the candidates. I got the surprise of the night when an artista (movie actor) came out and serenaded the audience. It turned out the artista is a long-time friend of a local candidate.

As expected, the women cheered and sighed. Cheered because the actor, no matter his age, has kept his boyish looks, and sighed because women are such romantic creatures and they connected to his songs. You know how it is with us women. We vicariously feel that every song is dedicated to us.

          

Tirso Cruz III serenading the audience.

After the oohs and ah, the rally continued with a new set of candidates. We left soon after. My intent was just to take photos of the event.   

Nothing changes. Rallies are the same each time. Speeches, some dances from paid entertainers, guest actors and singers who could either perform free or with a fee depending on the actor's or singer's relationship with a candidate, more speeches, and cheers and yells from the audience. Rallies are supposed to make us understand and appreciate a party’s platform of governance and the candidates’ reasons or advocacies for running. There are other avenues of course. But for all intents and purposes, rallies simply color the election process.