By Sylvester Oluoch
What you say you can be is true, a wish or sometimes an outright falsehood. The true test of who you really are is what you do habitually – that which is seen to bear fruits – what you become, what you do and the results you get. The late Hon. President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli (JPM) was a practical lesson in demonstrating that nothing is achieved without action.
From his leadership principles, there are 10 takeaways:
- Attention to detail – JPM knew his job well and ensured he mastered all important details in everything he did. It is a running joke that he knew the number of fish in the lake when he headed the fisheries ministry.
- Attractive personality – Through populist machinations and deep connection with Tanzanians and neighboring countries, he established almost cultic following.
- Commitment to justice – JPM had a love for justice that cut across all ranks. He emphasized and implemented equitable treatment of all people.
- Cooperation – By courting the interest of Tanzania’s leadership, he influenced a great number of people into adopting and even adoring his style of leadership.
- Courage – JPM tackled his country’s challenges with unfaltering audacity, even if it meant risk to his political carrier or his own life.
- Firmness of decision – Tanzania made much progress in his time because JPM had the habit of making decisions quickly and sticking with those decisions until implemented.
- Going beyond expectation – It is said by some of his cabinet members that it was not unusual for JPM, as they call him, to “wake you in the morning”, meaning he was already knee-deep in work as his top officials were just getting started.
- Organized planning, implementation, and control – It goes without saying that JPM was adroit at planning his work and working his plans.
- Deep sympathy and understanding – Those who knew him can easily attest to his ability to feel the pain of Tanzanians, and the wider African population – especially those at the bottom of the human wealth pyramid.
- Willingly taking full responsibility – It is easy to remember Magufuli’s refrain: “Nikisimama mbele ya mungu, siku ya hukumu, nitasema nilifanyia watanzania nini? –“ When I stand before God on judgement day, what will I say I did for Tanzanians.” He took responsibility beyond his term of office, and beyond his life here on earth.
These principles can be replicated in various aspects of life. You can use them to increase your chances of achieving anything and everything you want.
