THE EMPOWERING LEADER

This is the type who will not monopolize decisions or manipulate the outcome of situations (and definitely not the result of elections). Such a leader is the antithesis of a dictator and is very much aware that a person who is stubborn, manipulative, and has a
lone-ranger mentality has no place in a society that values democracy.

The leader who empowers people values service and the transformation of society into a vehicle for positive change. Micro-managing is out of the question, as it stifles the growth and initiative of subordinates. Unlike the narcissistic leader, an empowering leader does not invite but rather deflects praise away from oneself.

While in Malacañang, Co says this leader is expected to: (1) involve stakeholders in decision-making; (2) promotes social justice; (3) consult both strong and marginalized peers, colleagues, and constituencies.

Appropriate adage:
"No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it" - Andrew Carnegie

Real empowering leaders:
Anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

Reel empowering leader:
Jedi knight Obi Wan Kenobi in the “Star Wars" series who trained Luke Skywalker