8 Reasons Why We Support Dr. Mariah Y. Seton for ULAA Presidency
By Jeremiah Dweh Gbartequah
Secretary-General
Liberians for Progress
Worcester, Massachusetts
To be a good leader means that you can inspire others to follow your example, willingly and cheerfully. A good leader will both inspire confidence and give a strong example of what we should aim for. These are the characteristics of a good leader. These are the qualities we find in Dr. Mariah Y. Seton for which we support her candidacy for the ULAA presidency, and we urge our fellow compatriots to join us in supporting this honest and dedicated lady. Here are the eight main reasons that have glued us to this beautiful lady of find character:
1. Leading by example - If you wish your workforce to be hard working and diligent, it is important that you live up to your own ideals. There is a saying "I would never ask anybody to do something I wouldn't do myself". If your workforce sees you arriving late and being unprofessional, it will make it much more difficult for them to follow your advice. Dr. Seton leads by example.
2. Humility – A leader must encourage others to act in a certain way. However, if we try to lead through our inflated ego people will not respect us. Rather than stressing your self, try to lead through stressing certain principles. People will be much more willing to follow a leader who embodies humility. Dr. Seton leads with humility.
3. Appreciating co-workers - To be a good leader, you cannot underestimate the importance of offering gratitude to those who are trying hard to do the right thing. If people get appreciation then it will definitely encourage them to continue doing the right thing. At the same time, our appreciation should be sincere. We should not flatter but look for something good a person has done. Dr. Seton leads with appreciation for the services of her co-workers and associates.
4. Having a clear vision – A successful leader must overcome the resistance to change. If people have been doing something for a long time then they have an instinctive aversion to implementing new ideas. To introduce a new way of doing things you have to have the confidence and belief in the new way. People will definitely pick up on the belief that you have in your own vision. Dr. Seton's visions are clear and easily understandable.
5. Avoiding arguments - If people criticize your approach, often the best thing to do is not get involved in arguments. You can listen to their criticism politely and thank them for their concern, but often the best approach is just to focus on the new approach; look forward and don't feel the need to defend yourself. This gives your vision certain nobility. Dr. Seton is open to advice and criticism. She embraces ideas different from her own.
6. Listening to others - A good leader should try to feel part of his team rather than superior, if you listen to others, they will definitely appreciate it. Often you may find that your workers have good ideas that you can incorporate. Even if they have unworkable ideas, it is still worth giving the impression you value their opinions, even if they are not used. Dr. Seton is a good listener. She does to rush to judgment/decision-making. She consults extensively.
7. Creating a positive atmosphere - If you try to lead through creating a climate of fear, or competition, you will undoubtedly create problems. If you can lead whilst maintaining a positive attitude, it will definitely bear fruits in the long run. Dr. Seton maintains a positive attitude at all times – always meeting with people, shaking hands, taking pictures, and matching names with familiar faces. People like these qualities about her. When she gets to know you, she remembers you for good. Not too many politicians do this. Many would say "your face looks familiar" each time they meet you.
8. Not taking self too seriously - There is no harm in admitting you can be wrong, or making a joke at your own expense. People will appreciate a leader who can admit a mistake; it is after all a human quality. But, just don't make a habit of it. Dr. Seton is quick to admit when she is wrong. She jokes her errors away, and would apologize as soon as she realizes she is wrong. She makes people feel appreciated around her.
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