Morung Express News
Kohima | June 25
The 9th leadership workshop of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) in collaboration with Pathfinders was held on June 25 at ASU office with Vipulhou Lhoungu, Principal, Government Polytechnic, Kohima as the guest speaker.
The qualities of good leadership were discussed during the workshop. Lhoungu began with pointing out the crisis in Naga society today with special reference to the Angamis. The lack of good leadership and an indifferent and complacent youth are crisis destroying the Naga society. Lhoungu asserted how young people today are irresponsible with no intention of seeking jobs after earning degrees and instead compels their parents to seek backdoor jobs. Youngsters today are spending extravagantly without earning anything, said Lhoungu.
Commitment and responsibility to one’s work was also discussed where Lhoungu stated that indicators of good service can be observed through punctuality, attendance, attitude towards one’s duties and the outcomes. These indicators, Lhoungu said, are often deficient in many government offices. The lack of commitment and effort to one’s work, the attitude of treating the service as a part time job are pertinent issues which needs to be tackled. Being committed to one’s job requires subtle indicators such as maintaining office timings, maintaining cleanliness, lead examples through one’s action and attitude, highlighted Lhoungu.
Stressing on the qualities of good leadership, Lhoungu mentioned that the greatest leader must be the greatest servant. “To be a good leader, one must serve from the bottom. Only the person who serves the best can be considered a great leader,” said Lhoungu while criticizing the current leadership trend in Nagaland where people claim position or leadership for money and in the process are destroying the society instead of building the society.
Being rooted in one’s belief, setting a vision, seeking wisdom are important qualities of real leadership. Lhoungu also asserted that good leadership requires acceptance of criticism and to rise above all criticisms, and to take disappointments and failures as challenges. Also encouraged that if a leader choose right above all else, and have courage, nothing can stop their goals and achievements despite criticisms. “Good leaders cannot be bribed. Good leader understand the emotions and intelligence of others. Good leaders respecting and listen to others,” asserted Lhoungu further mentioning that today’s leaders lack these virtues.
Lastly focusing on the youth Lhoungu said, “Our youth are our wealth. The real wealth is a progressive, dedicated and developed youth.” Despite the deteriorating culture, Vipulhou asserts that there is hope in the young and the society must focus in nurturing them to be conscientious humans.
