Lest some still don't know, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors' Forum is an uncommon leader. Even at that, his own version of uncommon leadership is not common among other uncommon leaders. In other words, Dr. Fayemi's leadership qualities are uniquely uncommon.
Before listing out those things that would endear anyone to this uncommon leader, it is important to first identify some sticky traits that make people wonder why he keeps gaining relevance day-by-day, despite attempts by his traducers to pull him down:
Dr. Fayemi is a voracious reader. This makes him to keep growing and remaining ahead of his peers.
Dr. Fayemi is a completer. This makes him to stand out in the political world because he always finishes whatever he starts.
Dr. Fayemi is a repeater. He articulates vision and goals over and over until they stick.
Dr. Fayemi is a feeder. Consistently, he invests in his team, equipping them to grow.
Dr. Fayemi is a seeder. He is always planting seeds of new ideas to be ready for the future.
Dr. Fayemi is a heeder. He pays attention to cues so he can adapt when and where necessary.
Dr. Fayemi is a pleader. He is not a "cut and dry" leader, who would neglect the “soul” of his people. Rather he is fond of calling out the best in those who have failed to meet his set standard.
Dr. Fayemi is a breeder. He is always reproducing leadership skills in others. He is an uncommon leader who builds a pipeline of future leaders.
Now, let's go back to the meat, and list out those things that would endear anyone, no matter the class or creed such person may belong, to Dr. Fayemi. Or aptly put, what are those things that this uncommon leader would see and draw a person closer to himself? We can identify 13 of such qualities, which, if you possess them, you can be sure of Dr. Fayemi's meritorious patronage:
1. Empathy: “The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.”
-Oxford Dictionaries
2. Intuition—“The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.” -Oxford Dictionaries
3. Creativity—“The use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.” -Oxford Dictionaries
4. Passion—“An intense desire or enthusiasm for something.” -Oxford Dictionaries
5. Life-long learning—“The acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught.” -Oxford Dictionaries
6. Good listening— “[Taking] notice of and [acting] on what someone says; [responding] to advice or a request.” -Oxford Dictionaries
7. Persuasiveness — “Good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.” -Oxford Dictionaries
8. Responsible—“Capable of being trusted.” -Oxford Dictionaries
9. Leadership—“The action of leading a group of people or an organization.” -Oxford Dictionaries
10. Honesty—“The quality of being honest,” or “free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere.” -Oxford Dictionaries
11. Courage—“Not deterred by danger or pain; brave.” -Oxford Dictionaries
12. Self-awareness— “[Having] conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires.” -Oxford Dictionaries
13. Wholeheartedness “Showing or characterized by complete sincerity and commitment.” -Oxford Dictionaries
This is by no means an exhaustive list but it gives an indication of the kind of values one may possess to gain traction in the heart of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi. I have only given you the clue, and with this caveat: Ssssssshhhhhhh...do not say I told you. 🤫
_SD_